Which place is cheaper, Milan or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santorini or Milan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Milan, 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 romantic, stunning, and historic 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Milan
Milan is a trendy, chic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.
Santorini and Milan: Pros and Cons
Santorini
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Milan
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
Is there more to do in Santorini or Milan?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Santorini, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Milan is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Santorini is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Milan and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Milan is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.
How is Santorini different from Milan?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milan 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 Milan?
Santorini
Milan
Milan is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Milan can be an interesting and educational experience. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.
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 Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Santorini
Milan
Milan 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, Milan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.
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 Milan Better for Nightlife?
Santorini
Milan
Milan is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.
The nightlife in Milan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santorini. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.
Is Santorini or Milan Better for Music?
Santorini
Milan
Milan is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Santorini is not a live music destination.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Milan. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.
Santorini is not a live music destination.
Is Santorini or Milan Better for Resorts?
Santorini
Milan
Santorini is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milan is not a resort destination.
Santorini is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.
Milan is not a resort destination.
Is Santorini or Milan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Santorini
Milan
Santorini is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Santorini. 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.
Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Santorini or Milan Better for Beaches?
Santorini
Milan
Santorini is a island with good options for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Santorini. 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.
Milan is not a beach destination.
Is Santorini or Milan Better for its Old Town?
Santorini
Milan
Milan is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.
With a famous historical old-town, Milan offers plenty to see. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.
Santorini does not have a historic old town.
Is Santorini or Milan Better for Hiking?
Santorini
Milan
Santorini is a island with good options for hiking. However, Milan is not a hiking destination.
Plenty of visitors go hiking around Santorini. 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.
Milan is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Milan?
Santorini
Milan
Milan is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Milan draws large crowds to its stores. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.
Is Santorini or Milan Better for Families?
Santorini
Milan
Santorini and Milan are both good 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.
Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.
Is Santorini or Milan Better for Couples?
Santorini
Milan
Santorini is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
Santorini is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.
Milan is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.
Is Santorini or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Santorini
Milan
Milan is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.
Many backpackers visit Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.
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 Milan Better for Students?
Santorini
Milan
Milan is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.
Milan is a great destination for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.
Santorini is not popular with students.
Is Santorini or Milan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Santorini
Milan
Milan is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.
Visitors in Milan can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.
Santorini has a few public transit options. 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.
Is Santorini or Milan a more walkable city?
Santorini
Milan
Milan 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.
Milan is a very easy city to get around on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.
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 Milan Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Milan or Santorini?
How long in Santorini or Milan?
In either Santorini or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than Milan because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.
Families should spend more time in Milan than Santorini. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Milan, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milan 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 Milan.
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How many days in Santorini or Milan? Ideal Length of StaySantorini 3-7Milan 1-5
One day in Santorini or Milan?
In Santorini, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this historic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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.
People visit Milan because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Santorini or Milan?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
People visit Milan because there is so much to do. 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 Milan?
Santorini is a fun place to experience. In Santorini, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
People visit Milan because there is so much to do. 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 Milan?
In Santorini, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this romantic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
Milan is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €175Milan €166
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Milan is €166. 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 Milan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €93Milan €96
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €186Milan €192
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Milan
Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Milan? 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 Milan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €28Milan €35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,729
- Santorini Airport Transfer For Group: $296
- Santorini Shore Excursion with Boat Transfer - Skip Cable Car: $151
- Santorini Airport(JTR) to Santorini - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
- Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal and Transfer: $139
- 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 Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer: $120
- Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer: $120
- Wine Tasting Tour to 3 Wineries with Transfer: $115
- Private Round trip transfer to Santorini Thira Airport (JTR) to OIA, Greece: $110
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Milan
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:
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Train to Airport€7.00
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Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)€22
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Taxi From Airport€90
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Public Transit Day Pass€4.50
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Short Taxi Ride€7.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan
Also for Milan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Malpensa Airport (MXP):1-Way Transfer to Trieste Cruise Port: $2,103
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Venice: $1,524
- Private Transfer to/from Siena and Center of Milan: $1,305
- Nyon: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $1,012
- Basel : Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $1,012
- Interlaken : Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $959
- SUV LUXURY TRANSFER FROM TÄSCH/ZERMATT TO AIRPORT MALPENSA: $869
- Zurich : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $852
- Grindelwald: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $799
- Montreux : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $799
- Lousanne : Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $778
- Bern : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $735
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Milan?
Prices for flights to both Milan 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 €48Milan €39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $69
- Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $69
- Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $80
- Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $91
- Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $96
- Santorini Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Nea Kameni Visit: $98
- Santorini Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $107
- Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise Including Dinner on Board: $108
- The Aegean Cooking Class: $109
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Milan
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:
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Snack at Train Station€8.60
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Restaurant Pizza€6.60
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Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)€27
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)€64
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Cappuccino€1.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan
For Milan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- PYT Milano Dinner Show with Live Music and DJ Set: $21
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
- Devour Milan Street Food Tour and Sightseeing: $46
- Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
- Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $46
- NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $59
- NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $60
- Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $69
- Local Market and Cooking Class with an Italian Chef: $69
- Local Cuisine Cooking Class with Wine: $72
- Fresh pasta experience for children - Cooking Class: $72
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €36Milan €31
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
- 3 Hour Tour in Oia: $120
- 3-Hour Santorini Highlights Tour: $71
- 4 Hour Eat and Drink Private Tour in Santorini: $295
- 4 Hour Private Guided Tour in Santorini: $218
- 4 Hours Private Custom Tour in Santorini: $185
- 4 hrs island tour and photoshooting, Oia Blue domes, Red beach : $196
- 4-Hour Private Custom Santorini Tour: $161
- 5-Hour Private Custom Santorini Tour: $182
- 5-Hour Private Tour of Southern Santorini: $400
- 6 Hours Land Tour Ideal for Cruise Ship Passengers: $283
- 6 Hours Santorini Private Tour: $250
Typical Entertainment Prices in Milan
For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Stairs to Duomo Rooftop€7.00
Tours and Activities in Milan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Milan.
- Milan Highlights semi-Private Walking Tour: $43
- Milan Urban Wonders Small Group Tour: $53
- Gallery Tour, Terraces of the Duomo & Cathedral: $36
- Skip-the-Line Duomo Cathedral Tour : $54
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Milan: $6.53
- "Milano Style: Your Italian Fashion Experience": $164
- 2 Hours Guided La Scala Theatre Tour in Milan: $125
- 2-Hour Milan by Night Walking Tour: $156
- 2-hours Duomo of Milan guided experience with entrance tickets: $71
- 24 h in Personalized Highlights Tour: $181
- An Architectural insight of Milan on a Private Tour with a local: $148
- Bernina Express Tour Swiss Alps & St Moritz From Milan: $156
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €26Milan €24
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: $62
- Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
- Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini : $76
- Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $98
- Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $104
- Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $105
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
- Wine Tour Santorini: $118
- 3-Hour Wine Tasting in Santorini : $125
- Small Group Local Wine Tasting Tour In Santorini : $131
- Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $131
Typical Alcohol Prices in Milan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:
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Cocktail at a Bar€8.40
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Beer€3.35
Sample the Local Flavors in Milan
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Milan:
- Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $43
- Wine Tasting Experience in Milan city centre: $44
- Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $52
- Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $53
- Milan Wine Tasting Aperitivo: $55
- Milan Wine Tasting with Italian Sommelier: $86
- Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $87
- Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $93
- Best of Guided Tour with Duomo, Food & Wine Tasting: $159
- Food and Wine Tasting enjoying the New Milan: $164
- Brescia & Franciacorta Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $180
- Brescia and Franciacorta winery area. Cultural and wine tasting small group tour: $184
When comparing the travel costs between Santorini and Milan, 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 Milan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Milan?
Milan has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Milan, 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.