Which place is cheaper, Queenstown or Krabi?
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 Krabi or Queenstown?
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 Queenstown can help you decide which place is right for you.
Krabi
Krabi is a local, vibrant, and colorful town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Krabi travel costs.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a spirited, bustling, and active city. Queenstown is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Queenstown travel costs.
Krabi and Queenstown: Pros and Cons
Krabi
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Popular beach
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Less popular for food
- Less popular with backpackers
Queenstown
Pros- Popular for skiing
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good for hiking
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Impressive beauty
- Less museums and historical sights
Is there more to do in Krabi or Queenstown?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Queenstown. Although Krabi and Queenstown are both popular with visitors, Queenstown has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Queenstown is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Krabi is known for its museums and attractions, resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Queenstown is more touristy than Krabi and is popular for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. It is also home to Kawarau Bridge. Krabi is popular for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market.
How is Krabi different from Queenstown?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Queenstown and Krabi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Krabi or Queenstown Better for Skiing?
Krabi
Queenstown
Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Krabi is not a skiing destination.
Queenstown is among the world's best ski destinations. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.
Krabi is not a skiing destination.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Krabi or Queenstown?
Krabi
Queenstown
Krabi is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Krabi. 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.
While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.
Is the Food Better in Krabi or Queenstown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Krabi
Queenstown
Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Queenstown has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.
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 Queenstown Better for Nightlife?
Krabi
Queenstown
Queenstown is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.
Queenstown has a large number of nightlife venues. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.
Krabi has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a decent live music scene, but in general the town is quiet at night. There's also a good night market.
Is Krabi or Queenstown Better for Resorts?
Krabi
Queenstown
Krabi is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Queenstown is not a resort destination.
Krabi has a few resort options worth checking out. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.
Queenstown is not a resort destination.
Is Krabi or Queenstown Better for Beaches?
Krabi
Queenstown
Krabi is a moderate town for its beaches. However, Queenstown is not a beach destination.
Krabi is a good spot to see the beach. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.
Queenstown is not a beach destination.
Is Krabi or Queenstown Better for Hiking?
Krabi
Queenstown
Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. However, Krabi is not a hiking destination.
Many people visit Queenstown specifically for its hiking. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.
Krabi is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Queenstown?
Krabi
Queenstown
Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Krabi and Queenstown.
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.
Queenstown is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.
Is Krabi or Queenstown More Beautiful?
Krabi
Queenstown
Queenstown is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.
Queenstown is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.
Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Krabi or Queenstown Better for Families?
Krabi
Queenstown
You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Krabi or Queenstown.
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.
Queenstown is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.
Is Krabi or Queenstown Better for Couples?
Krabi
Queenstown
Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.
For those traveling as a couple, Queenstown has plenty to offer. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.
Couples visit Krabi frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.
Is Krabi or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Krabi
Queenstown
Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Queenstown. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.
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 Queenstown Better for Students?
Krabi
Queenstown
Queenstown is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Krabi is not popular with students.
Queenstown is very popular with students. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.
Krabi is not popular with students.
Is Krabi or Queenstown Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Krabi
Queenstown
Queenstown is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for its public transit.
Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.
Public transit is generally 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).
Is Krabi or Queenstown a more walkable city?
Krabi
Queenstown
Queenstown 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.
Queenstown is very walkable. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached 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 Queenstown Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Krabi?
How long in Krabi or Queenstown?
Both Krabi and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Queenstown than in Krabi. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.
Couples should spend more time in Queenstown than Krabi. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Queenstown that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Queenstown 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 Queenstown.
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How many days in Krabi or Queenstown? Ideal Length of StayKrabi 2-3Queenstown 2-7
One day in Krabi or Queenstown?
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 Queenstown, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this nature-oriented destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Queenstown?
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 Queenstown. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Queenstown?
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.
Queenstown is a fun place to experience. In Queenstown, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this destination offers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
A week in Krabi or Queenstown?
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.
In Queenstown, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this nature-oriented destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
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 Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.
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Krabi Prices
Thailand PricesQueenstown Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrabi $74Queenstown $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $74, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is $130. 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 Queenstown in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrabi $42Queenstown $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrabi $84Queenstown $110
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Queenstown
Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Queenstown? 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 Queenstown Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krabi $4.37Queenstown $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$9.42
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Short Tuk-Tuk Ride$3.14
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2 Bottles of Gasoline$2.51
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Longboat Taxi from Town$6.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi
Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Krabi International Airport Arrival Shared Transfer To Ao Nang : $12
- Krabi International Airport Departure Shared Transfer from Aonang: $12
- Krabi Airport (KBV) Private Transfer: $13
- Krabi to Koh Lanta Transfer by Shared Air Conditioned Van: $13
- Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Tonsai or Laem Tong: $14
- Ferry Transfer To or From Phi Phi Don Island: $14
- Shared Van Transfer from Krabi to Koh Lanta with Hotel Drop Off: $15
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Krabi HTL-APT (KBV): $15
- One-Way Ferry Transfer to/from Koh Phi Phi: $16
- Private Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport Departure: $20
- Private Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport Departure: $20
- Private Departure Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport: $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:
- ZQN Airport to Downtown|Hotels Private Transfer: $27
- Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $982
- Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $748
- Queenstown to Mt Cook One Way Scenic Transfer: $115
- Queenstown private transfer: $87
- Queenstown International Airport to City Hotels Transfer : $90
- Queenstown Airport to/from Wanaka Hassle Free Private Transfer : $101
- QUEENSTOWN:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Hotels: $52
- Private Transfers from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka : $177
- Private Airport Transfer Vice Versa in Queenstown by SUV: $69
- From Cardrona Ski/Snowboard Rentals & Transfer: $152
Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Queenstown?
Prices for flights to both Queenstown 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 $25Queenstown $62
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)$7.85
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Drinks on the Beach$7.54
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$19
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Nice Dinner (for Two)$35
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Mango Shake$1.57
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Pad Thai$3.14
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Fruit from the Market$1.88
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Pancakes$3.14
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Coffee & Cake$2.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Snorkeling and Sunset to Krabi 7 Islands by Longtail Boat + Buffet BBQ Dinner: $37
- Hands on Half-day Cooking Class by Authentic Thai Cooking: $39
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Night Snorkeling: $39
- Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $40
- Penny Thai Cooking Class Krabi: $45
- Krabi Kitchens Food Tour with 15 Plus Tastings: $45
- Krabi Bites Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset & BBQ Dinner (Join Tour): $45
- Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner & Plankton Night : $45
- Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $46
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $46
- Kayaking and BBQ Dinner On The Beach Ao Thalane From Krabi: $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Queenstown.
- Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $17
- Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $119
- Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!: $135
- Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch: $138
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krabi $12Queenstown $21
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$10
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Thai Massages (for Two)$25
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Bikini & Sarong$19
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Yoga Class (1 Hour)$14
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Backgammon Set (travel size)$7.85
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Kayak Trip (for Two)$60
Tours and Activities in Krabi
For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- DIY tour - Finest selection of Krabi Hidden Gems: $8.17
- Railay Phra Nang and Diamond Cave Sunset tour: $21
- Krabi 4 Islands Snorkeling and Thale Waek Full Day Tour : $21
- ATV Adventure in Krabi Thailand: $22
- Krabi ATV adventure tour 1 Hour : $23
- Blue Dragon Cabaret Ticket Dazzling Night from Krabi: $24
- Klong Root Kayaking and Swimming with ATV Tour From Krabi : $24
- Ao Thalane Kayaking Mangrove Forests Adventure from Krabi : $24
- 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi: $25
- Krabi 4 Islands Shared Tour with Lunch and Guide: $25
- ATV Adventure in Thrills Await: $28
- Railay Beach and Caves Tour from Ao Nang - Half Day: $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Queenstown
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:
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Skyline Gondola (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Queenstown
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Queenstown are as follows:
- 1-Hour Ultimate Jet Boat Adventure on the Kawarau River: $89
- 20-Minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour from Queenstown: $167
- 30-Minute High-Speed Thrill Queenstown Jet Boat Adventure : $65
- Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown: $125
- Beauties of Queenstown Private Walking Tour: $941
- Boutique Winery Half-Day Tour & Vineyard Platter-Style Lunch: $150
- Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka: $215
- Convertible Picnic Tour Queenstown: $113
- Cruise Milford Small Group Day Tour from Queenstown : $221
- Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown: $264
- Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience: $184
- Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown: $278
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrabi $5.00Queenstown $8.86
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$2.83
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Cocktails (for Two)$9.42
Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:
- Ice Bar Crawl: $23
- Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston: Join the Only Flexible Wine Tour: $53
- Bike & Wine Tour: Arrowtown to Valley of the Vines: $69
- Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $75
- Craft Beer Brewery Tour with Lunch: $107
- Queenstown's Original Wine Tour Celebrating 33 Years: $113
- Classic Wine Tour: $127
- Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese: $131
- Central Otago Wine Tour: $132
- Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries: $137
- Wine Tasting Tour: $144
- Afternoon Boutique Wine Tour: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krabi and Queenstown, we can see that Queenstown is more expensive. And not only is Krabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Krabi is in Asia and Queenstown is in Pacific, 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 Krabi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Krabi 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 Queenstown would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Queenstown than you might in Krabi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Krabi Expensive? and Is Queenstown Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krabi or Queenstown?
Krabi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Queenstown, 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.