AAA's suggested budget for a family of four— two adults and two children — is $244 per day for lodging and meals. If traveling by car, AAA recommends visiting www.AAAFuelCostCalculator.com to estimate fuel costs.

Lodging

The average cost for lodging is $164 a night, based on the most recent rates charged by approved accommodations listed in AAA TourBook® guides. Rates for specific properties will vary by region, season and available discounts. If traveling with additional people, AAA advises contacting the property in advance for any extra-person charges, which average approximately 8 percent of the room cost. However, if traveling with children within an age limit set by management—usually up to 14—there may not be an extra charge. Visit AAA.com or speak with your AAA travel agent to determine exact costs.

Vacation spending depends on personal preferences and means, but costs also vary by area. Expect higher lodging rates in large metropolitan areas and at resorts during peak travel seasons. To save on lodging, it’s best to make advance reservations.

Meals

For two people, AAA travel experts recommend budgeting at least $80 a day for meals, not including tips and beverages. Meal costs, which are based on dining at full-service restaurants, can be reduced by eating at self-service restaurants or choosing lodgings that include breakfast. Many restaurants offer reduced prices on children’s menus and “early bird” dinners.

Additional Costs

In addition to lodging, food and driving costs, you should budget for admission fees, road and bridge tolls, recreation and shopping. If you don't carry credit cards, include an emergency fund in your vacation budget. For added security, AAA suggests carrying travel money such as prepaid money cards. The AAA VISA TravelMoney card is a prepaid credit card that also offers 24-hour ATM access to cash in more than 120 local currencies. AAA members can obtain travel money online.

Vacation Costs

Several factors impact the overall cost of a trip: geographic region, means of transportation, meals, recreation fees and the type of accommodations. This worksheet can help you to estimate costs.

lodging costs
number of days	x
average lodging cost *
	=

* Average daily rate for two persons, double occupancy, is $164,
plus $13 per day for each additional person

total lodging expense

+

transportation costs
fuel costs**	+
parking	+
road/ferry tolls	+
	=

** Visit www.AAAFuelCostCalculator.com

total transportation costs

+

food costs
daily food cost ***
number in party	x
number of days	x
	=

*** Average daily food cost, excluding beverages and tips,
is $40 per person

total food cost

+

entertainment/misc. costs
admission fees	+
souvenirs	+
beverages	+
tips	+
	=

total entertainment/misc.

+

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