Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Shanghai for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families
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Should you visit Santorini or Shanghai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Shanghai, 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.
Shanghai
Shanghai is a professional, diverse, and bustling port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.
Santorini and Shanghai: 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
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for food
Shanghai
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
Is there more to do in Santorini or Shanghai?
You'll generally find more things to do in Shanghai than Santorini. Shanghai is bigger than Santorini, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Shanghai is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Santorini is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Shanghai and is popular for it's beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Shanghai is well known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund.
How is Santorini different from Shanghai?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shanghai 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 Shanghai?
Santorini
Shanghai
Shanghai 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 Shanghai are world-renowned. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.
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 Shanghai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Santorini
Shanghai
Shanghai 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, Shanghai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.
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 Shanghai Better for Nightlife?
Santorini
Shanghai
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Santorini and Shanghai.
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 Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.
Is Santorini or Shanghai Better for Resorts?
Santorini
Shanghai
Santorini is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Shanghai is not a resort destination.
Vacationers flock to Santorini for its luxury resorts. 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.
Shanghai is not a resort destination.
Is Santorini or Shanghai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Santorini
Shanghai
Santorini is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.
Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Santorini or Shanghai Better for Beaches?
Santorini
Shanghai
Santorini is a good destination for the beache. However, Shanghai is not a beach destination.
Santorini offers a nice beach destination. 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.
Shanghai is not a beach destination.
Is Santorini or Shanghai Better for Hiking?
Santorini
Shanghai
Santorini is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.
Santorini offers some nice hiking trails. 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.
Shanghai is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Shanghai?
Santorini
Shanghai
Shanghai 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, Shanghai draws large crowds to its stores. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.
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 Shanghai Better for Families?
Santorini
Shanghai
Shanghai is a great port city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Shanghai is very family-friendly. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.
Santorini is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.
Is Santorini or Shanghai Better for Couples?
Santorini
Shanghai
Santorini and Shanghai are both world-class 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.
Shanghai is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.
Is Santorini or Shanghai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Santorini
Shanghai
Shanghai is a great port city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.
Many backpackers visit Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded 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 Shanghai Better for Students?
Santorini
Shanghai
Shanghai is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.
Shanghai is a great port city to visit as a student. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.
Santorini is not popular with students.
Is Santorini or Shanghai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Santorini
Shanghai
Shanghai is a great port city 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.
The public transit in Shanghai can get you around easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.
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 Shanghai a more walkable city?
Santorini
Shanghai
Shanghai is a great port city for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.
Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.
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.
Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Santorini?
How long in Santorini or Shanghai?
In either Santorini or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than Shanghai because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-5 days is enough time in Shanghai.
Families should spend more time in Shanghai than Santorini. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Shanghai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Shanghai than Santorini. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Shanghai that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shanghai 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 Shanghai.
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How many days in Santorini or Shanghai? Ideal Length of StaySantorini 3-7Shanghai 2-5
One day in Santorini or Shanghai?
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.
People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. 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 Shanghai?
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.
People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Santorini or Shanghai?
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.
People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.
A week in Santorini or Shanghai?
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.
Shanghai is a popular choice for travelers. 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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €175Shanghai €107
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is €107. 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 Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €93Shanghai €75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €186Shanghai €150
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Shanghai? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €28Shanghai €3.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Santorini Port Transfer to Hotels and Airport: $14
- Transfer From & To Santorini Airport Designed By You: $15
- Economy Arrival Transfers From Santorini Airport To All Destinations: $15
- Economy Departure Transfers To Santorini Airport: $15
- Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini: $15
- Departure Transfer To Santorini Airport: $15
- 1-Way Transfer to/from Port or Airport: $15
- Economy Roundtrip Transfer Santorini Airport ( Max 4 stop ): $15
- Santorini transfer service: $15
- Private Airport/Ferry Port Transfer to any Hotel in Kamari & Monolithos Village: $15
- Private Santorini Airport or Ferry Port Transfer to any Hotel in Fira Town: $16
- Private Arrival Transfer From Santorini Airport To All Destinations: $17
Typical Local Transportation prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
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Taxi Ride€3.34
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Two Subway Tickets€0.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Private Day Tour Of Beijing From Shanghai's Hotel Including Flight And Transfer: $1,500
- Private Day Trip Of Xi'an From Your Shanghai's hotel Including Transfer Service: $1,500
- Private Day tour of Xi'an From Shanghai Including Transfer Service: $1,100
- Private Mutianyu Great Wall Tour From Shanghai's Hotel Including Transfer: $1,100
- Private Beijing One Day Tour From Shanghai 's Hotel Including Transfer Service : $1,036
- 3 Days Shanghai Suzhou Tour Package with Airport Transfer: $555
- Shanghai ERA Acrobatics Show with VIP Seating and Private Transfer: $315
- 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
- Shanghai Pudong Int’l Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Yiwu City Area : $226
- Shanghai To Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $209
- Shanghai-Suzhou private day tour with private transfer and Lunch: $204
- Shanghai to Xi’an Bullet Train Ticket with Local Hotel Private Transfers : $189
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai 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 €48Shanghai €20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Virtual Cooking Class Live Experience from Santorini: $22
- Virtual Private Cooking Class Live from Santorini: $22
- Live Virtual Cooking Class: $24
- Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $54
- Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $69
- Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $69
- Santorini Caldera Evening Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $74
- Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $76
- Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $93
- Santorini Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Nea Kameni Visit: $94
- Cooking Class with Private Chef - prepare & enjoy local menu: $103
- Greek Cuisine Cooking Class in Santorini: $103
Typical Food prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast€1.28
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory€19
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Ajisen Lunch for Two€6.68
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Cantelope€1.54
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Dumplings and Soup€1.93
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Duck Dinner€3.85
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Pastries€2.70
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Barbeque Dinner€8.22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai: $67
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $69
- Private Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai with Vegetarian Option: $69
- Private Authentic Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai with a Lovely Local: $70
- 3-Hour Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $70
- 3-Hour Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Steamed Colorful Dumplings: $70
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €36Shanghai €7.84
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Authentic A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Oia: $5.99
- The Lost Atlantis 9D Experience: $15
- Skip the Line Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $15
- E-Ticket to Akrotiri with Audio Tour on your Phone: $15
- Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entry Ticket: $16
- Skip the Line: Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $17
- Admission Ticket for Akrotiri Archaeological Site : $18
- Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Tour: $27
- Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit: $28
- Caldera Half Day Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $32
- Santorini Volcano Tour: $37
- Royalty Volcano & Hot Springs Tour: $38
Typical Entertainment prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
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30 Minute River Cruise for Two€26
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Zoo for Two€13
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- 2-Day Beijing Private Flexible Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train: $508
- Half-Day Private Tour of Shanghai Bund with River Cruise or Tower View: $90
- Private Shanghai Flexible City Highlight Tour with Night Cruise: $221
- Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights: $122
- Shanghai Layover Tour to Xinchang Water Town with City Highlights Option : $135
- Yiwu International Trade City Private Day Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train: $183
- Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum Private Shanghai Day Tour: $175
- Zhouzhuang Water Town Self-Guided Day Tour from Shanghai: $88
- water village of shagnhai tour: $248
- 1 Day Hangzhou Private Tour: $312
- 1 Day Shanghai Airport Layover Private Tour for City Highlights: $202
- 1 Day Shanghai Highlight Small Group Tour: $124
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €26Shanghai €6.83
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Ftelos Brewery Santorini Beer tastings: $27
- Santorini Brewery Tour and Craft Beer Tastings: $38
- Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $65
- Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini : $70
- Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting & Sunset in Oia: $73
- Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
- Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $76
- 2 Hours Private Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini With Pick Up: $87
- Santorini Private Sightseeing Tour with Wine tasting: $97
- Santorini Private Oia Tour & 7 Wine Tasting with Local Delicacies: $97
- Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $97
- Santorini Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira (small group up to 10): $103
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Shanghai, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Shanghai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santorini is in Europe and Shanghai is in Asia, 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 Shanghai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shanghai 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 Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini than you might in Shanghai.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Shanghai?
Shanghai is bigger, and its population is about 24.3 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the population of Santorini vs. Shanghai, 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 and the activities that interest you.
Related Articles for Santorini
Related Articles for Shanghai
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.
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