How much do you budget?

[captaind]

When you first plan the trip how much do you budget all in? (round numbers, no detail)

When you get back did you spend more or less? (yes or no)

Just interested in some data if you don't mind.

Thanks

Cap

[Papa Georgie]

Good question Cap. Over the years I've said "I got to make a record of all I spend on two weeks in Negril". I never have after 25 years...too much work to be on vacation. Same for quibbling over the exchange rate...tiny fluctuations. We usually take 5K for two weeks. I tip generously and often. We spend and enjoy.
We always come home with a couple of K... wife is pulling out twenties from the envelopes we brought down months later..."Is that still Jamaica money...?"
We have perhaps an irrational fear of being "short of cash" in Negril. Maybe next year I'll itemize...maybe not.

[saeyedoc]

Just figuring out how much cash to bring, leaving Friday for 8 days, hotel is payed for. Figuring $200/day (2of us) for food and drink, $500 for transportation and $500 for treats

[Papa Georgie]

Well, my rule for cash to Negril is: Lay out all the clothes you are going to take and the cash you are going to take on the bed and...take half the clothes and twice the cash.
200 a day sounds reasonable.

[pine tree john]

As a budget traveler , and about 20 years of winter getaway adventures , our averages as a couple : 1 week 2000 to 2500. two weeks 2500 to 3500 third week 3000 - 4000 4 weeks 4000 . 4 weeks coming up I'll let you know . we usually bring money home but not always , This is all in travel inclusive .

[LivinInThe603]

Spending money (not including hotel, airfare, and CMB): This year's plan: $500 for 7 nights/8 days (budgeting additional for an excursion this year).

Philosophy: I'll pay what it costs. I eat mostly on the beach so prices can be a little high. Just saw a place with a cup of coffee for $3.50 us. That's ridiculous, so I wouldn't buy that, but I don't go crazy trying to find $4 breakfast. I plan on $10-15 a meal and get what I can for that price. If it's less, that's great!

I have a breakdown of planned expenses if you're interested, but you said no details, so I think this is a discussion starter... great topic, thanks!

[TAH]

Some trips we do for as little as $2k, some go up to $5k, just depends what kind of trip it is. But $5k is about the most that I can stomach spending on a vacation. That's usually between 8-12 nights, air, lodging, food, everything.

[Jenn]

We budget about 200/day for the two of us. However, many days, we don't hit that number. Somedays - depending on the dinner location - we might go over a bit, but that's seldom the case. We don't do too many excursions these days, so that's not an issue.

Saeyedoc - 500 for transportation - is that including an excursion? Or is that for taxis?

[frankk]

We average about $120/day for 2 persons plus hotel and transfer costs. That's been the case over last few years. We enjoy a lot of bheer.

[TAH]

Captain, just to clarify; you're asking for total trip cost, right?