Which place is cheaper, Florence or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santorini or Florence?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Florence, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Santorini
Santorini is a historic, romantic, and stunning island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.
Florence
Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.
Santorini and Florence: Pros and Cons
Santorini
Pros- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for food
- Less popular with backpackers
- Less walkable
Florence
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Very walkable
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Is there more to do in Santorini or Florence?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Florence than Santorini. While Santorini is larger than Florence, Florence has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Florence is better known for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Santorini is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is well known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Florence is well known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore).
How is Santorini different from Florence?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Florence and Santorini. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santorini or Florence?
Santorini
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.
The museums and tourist attractions in Florence are world-renowned. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santorini. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.
Is the Food Better in Santorini or Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Santorini
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Santorini area. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Nightlife?
Santorini
Florence
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Santorini and Florence.
If you're looking for night time activities Santorini has a few options to choose from. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Resorts?
Santorini
Florence
Santorini is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Florence is not a resort destination.
Santorini offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.
Florence is not a resort destination.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Santorini
Florence
Santorini is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Santorini has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.
Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Beaches?
Santorini
Florence
Santorini is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.
Santorini has a beach worth visiting. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.
Florence is not a beach destination.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for its Old Town?
Santorini
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.
With a famous historical old-town, Florence offers plenty to see. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.
Santorini does not have a historic old town.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Hiking?
Santorini
Florence
Santorini is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.
Santorini has hiking trails worth exploring. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.
Florence is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Florence?
Santorini
Florence
If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Florence both offer plenty of superb spots.
Santorini is well-known for its shopping. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Families?
Santorini
Florence
Santorini and Florence are both notable destinations for the whole family.
Santorini offers lots of family activities. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.
Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Couples?
Santorini
Florence
Santorini and Florence are both amazing to visit as a couple.
Santorini has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.
Florence is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Santorini
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Florence is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.
Santorini is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Students?
Santorini
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.
Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.
Santorini is not popular with students.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Santorini
Florence
Santorini and Florence both offer notable public transit to get you around.
While Santorini offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.
Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.
Is Santorini or Florence a more walkable city?
Santorini
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.
Florence is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.
Santorini is a somewhat walkable island. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Florence Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Florence or Santorini?
How long in Santorini or Florence?
Both Santorini and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Florence has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Florence than Santorini. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.
Families should spend more time in Florence than Santorini. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Florence, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence than Santorini 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 Florence.
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How many days in Santorini or Florence? Ideal Length of StaySantorini 3-7Florence 2-7
One day in Santorini or Florence?
The beautiful island of Santorini offers museums and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Florence. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Santorini or Florence?
Santorini is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the artistic destination of Florence. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Santorini or Florence?
Santorini is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santorini, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
You'll find nightlife and food around the alluring city of Florence. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
A week in Santorini or Florence?
Santorini is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santorini has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.
Florence is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €175Florence €154
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Florence is €154. 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 Santorini and Florence in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €93Florence €87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €186Florence €174
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Florence
Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Florence? 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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Florence Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €28Florence €22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,743
- Santorini Airport Transfer For Group: $297
- Santorini Group Transfer from Airport/Port up to 17 people: $180
- Santorini Airport(JTR) to Santorini - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
- Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal and Transfer: $139
- Skip Cable Car! Santorini Shore Excursion with Boat Transfer: $129
- Private Sunset Tour with Picnic & Transfer: $128
- Santorini to Heraklion Crete: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $125
- Santorini to Mykonos: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $125
- Santorini Private transfer up to 8 persons: $120
- Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer: $120
- Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer: $120
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
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Taxi Ride Within City€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€25
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In City Parking (Full Day)€30
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Bus Pass (Full Day)€5.00
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Bus From Airport€5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Sorrento: $2,138
- From Amalfi Coast Transfer with a Stop in Pompeii: $1,176
- Transfer Between Florence and Rome with Sightseeing Stop: $1,176
- Private Transfer from Cinque Terre to Florence or Siena: $893
- Private Round-Trip Transfer to Pisa: $567
- Private Transfer to Bologna Airport (BLQ): $429
- From Private Transfer to Siena: $396
- From Private Transfer to Livorno Port: $386
- Transfer from Livorno Port to Accommodation: $386
- Florence Airport (FLR): One-Way/Roundtrip Private Transfer: $314
- Horse ride in the Mugello (transfer from / to Florence) and Tuscan aperitif: $293
- Private Transfer from San Casciano in Val di Pesa to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $292
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Florence?
Prices for flights to both Florence and Santorini 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 daySantorini €48Florence €36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $70
- Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $70
- Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $80
- Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $91
- Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $96
- Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $120
- Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $120
- Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $123
- Half-Day Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini with dinner: $123
- Luxury Sunset Cruise with Dinner & Open Bar: $128
- Sunset Sea Kayak with Light Dinner: $128
- Hands on Cooking Class with a Chef: $134
Typical Food Prices in Florence
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
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Panini Sandwich€6.50
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $23
- Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
- Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
- Italian Fresh Pasta Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
- Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
- Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
- Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $41
- Food Tour in Santo Spirito: $47
- Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $47
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $61
- Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €36Florence €30
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Santorini Panoramic Blue Shade Tour-Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia: $62
- Santorini Private Half Day Tour : $218
- Santorini Secrets & Gems for Cruise Passengers: $96
- 3 Hour Sightseeing Tour in the Magical Santorini: $74
- 3 Hour Tour in Oia: $120
- 3 Hours Private Santorini Tour: $136
- 3-Hour Santorini Highlights Tour: $71
- 4 Hour Eat and Drink Private Tour in Santorini: $296
- 4 Hours Private Tour in Santorini with Pick up: $87
- 4 hrs island tour and photoshooting, Oia Blue domes, Red beach : $196
- 4-Hour Private Custom Santorini Tour: $161
- 5 Hour Santorini Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers: $71
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Admission to Uffizi€11
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Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi€4.00
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Firenze Card (for Two)€100
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Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)€20
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Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee€6.00
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Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee€7.00
Tours and Activities in Florence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
- Best of Florence walking tour & Accademia Gallery- monolingual small group tour: $92
- Florence FoodTour with Local Guide: $191
- Florence-Private bike tour: $98
- From Sunset Panoramic e-Bike or Classic Bike tour : $38
- Semi-Private Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour: $71
- Tour Private of Florence in electric car : $41
- VIP Uffizi Gallery Tour: $75
- "Good Morning Chianti Classico" - Tour in 2 wineries with lunch: $196
- 1-Hour Experience with Brunello. Visit to the Vineyard and Cellar: $35
- 1-Hour Golf Cart Private Tour through the Center of Florence: $49
- 2 Hour Private Guided Tour: Uffizi Galleries for Families: $38
- 2-Hour Guided Tour to Uffizi Gallery and its Symbols: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €26Florence €18
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $60
- Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $63
- Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
- Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $75
- Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $98
- Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $105
- Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $106
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
- 5 towns in 5 hours: Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $117
- Wine Tour Santorini: $118
- Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $131
- Santorini 4-Hour Private Tour including Wine Tasting, Shore Excursion: $136
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
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Glass of Chianti€4.20
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Bottle of Wine€7.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Florence
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
- Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
- Biodynamic Wine Tasting with Producer in Vinci: $28
- 3 Types Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $29
- From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
- Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
- Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
- Three Types of Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $37
- Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
- Chianti Wine Tour: Tuscan Reds : $43
- Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
- Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
When comparing the travel costs between Santorini and Florence, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santorini Expensive? and Is Florence Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Florence?
Santorini has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Florence, 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.