Do you budget for vacation?
So I was just curious if any of you ever budget for vacation? FT'ers and retired need not apply. I have not been able to go on vacation in 3 years (due to financial and other constraints) and so...
Forum Discussion
while we don't budget, I have kept track of camping expenses. averaging the last 8 years, and probably close to 300 days, food, fuel, camping expenses, dining out, entertainment, tickets to things we see, basically any expenses while on the road, averages $90/day. I have a few friends and when I asked them, their numbers were similar. I do not count the cost of any supplies we put in the trailer from the house, including food, but do count anything we buy on the road.
And I don't include insurance, depreciation, etc. in my cost either.
Now, we do travel longer distances, but we usually have multiple days with no towing, and we use either FS, SP or free campgrounds, and qualify for the FS senior price so camping can be inexpensive and we don't pay to get into parks. And I buy the state park pass as well. and we generally cook most of our meals at campgrounds eating out for lunch in small towns when traveling.
So one day we may spend $100 on fuel and $30 for a campsite, but then we do short trips, hikes etc. and have the campground fee and groceries for a few days.
and we prefer more "natural" campgrounds, rather than RV Parks. More out of our preference for camping, not as an expense control.
Now depending on eating habits, what kind of campground you like, and how many days you spend towing, I could see my number going up by 50% or even double.
And I don't include insurance, depreciation, etc. in my cost either.
Now, we do travel longer distances, but we usually have multiple days with no towing, and we use either FS, SP or free campgrounds, and qualify for the FS senior price so camping can be inexpensive and we don't pay to get into parks. And I buy the state park pass as well. and we generally cook most of our meals at campgrounds eating out for lunch in small towns when traveling.
So one day we may spend $100 on fuel and $30 for a campsite, but then we do short trips, hikes etc. and have the campground fee and groceries for a few days.
and we prefer more "natural" campgrounds, rather than RV Parks. More out of our preference for camping, not as an expense control.
Now depending on eating habits, what kind of campground you like, and how many days you spend towing, I could see my number going up by 50% or even double.
