Annually, US households spend around 2% of their entire budgets on vacations, yet only a fraction of those households actually disclose those expenses. There are two types of Americans when it comes to leisure travel: those who seldom leave their hometowns and those who spend an annual average of $4,700 on vacations.
This article will examine the aggregate and breakdown of what Americans spent on vacations as reported in the Consumer Expenditure Survey.
Whether you’re taking the kids in the minivan for a week at grandma’s during summer vacation, taking a bus to see a college mate for the weekend, or cramming everyone onto an airplane for a month in Bora Bora, the expense of a holiday can vary widely.
The average cost of a 7-day vacation for a single traveler to the United States is $1,705; for a couple, it’s $1,842, and for a family of four, it’s $3,652. Hotels in the United States cost, on average, $99 a night, ranging from $63 to $289, while renting a property for a group might cost anywhere from $190 to $630 per night.
Economy class airfare from throughout the world to the United States averages $655, first class is $2,057, and business class is $3,115. We suggest setting up $48-$98 USD per person each day for travel and food, depending on your itinerary. This average includes vacationers who drive a few hundred miles for next to nothing and those who fly across the country to the most costly locations.
Obviously, not every traveler has the same vacation costs. For someone who vacations with friends instead of staying in a hotel, the cost of accommodation would be $0. Spending on vacation varies greatly across age groups, with those in or near retirement shelling out roughly four times as much as those under the age of 25.
A typical vacationing family takes one annual foreign trip and many annual home ones. Alternatively, they might stay in the country but travel to many destinations throughout the course of 30 days.
In addition, prices have increased during the previous decade. People often spend $581 on average for a four-night domestic trip (the average cost of a domestic vacation was less than $500 in 2005). Their current daily travel budget is roughly $144.
An average 12- to 13-night trip overseas in 2013 cost $3,250, based on the total cost of all those who traveled abroad that year. You should expect to spend between $250 and $271 each night. This sum had increased significantly from 2005 when it was only $2,000. You should consider buying travel insurance to lessen the blow of any monetary losses you could incur while on the road, especially in light of rising prices.
These are, generally speaking, the least expensive times to fly to the United States and stay in a hotel there.
Between 8 January and 11 March, and 16 April and 29 April
From August 6th through the 18th
Midway through September is often the lowest-priced season to travel inside the United States.
Accommodation cost on a trip to the USA
Are you looking for a luxurious Beyoncé-style stay, or do you prefer the traditional backpacker experience of bunking down in a hostel with a bunch of strangers?
The cost of lodging is likely to be the single highest expense on your trip. From bed and breakfasts to cheap roadside hotels to free campgrounds, Americans may find a place to stay within their budget.
For two individuals to stay in a private room, you can expect to pay an average of (Consider the following as a ballpark figure):
Budget: $40-$80 USD per night
Affordable: $100-$200 per night in the US
Expensive: over US$300 per night in luxury
Transportation cost on a trip to the USA
The average American family spends 44% of their vacation budget on transportation to and from their destination. The annual transportation expenditures for their holidays average over $2,100. This number includes anything from taking a vacation in the family vehicle to going on a cruise.
When a family takes a summer trip that requires flying, these expenditures may add up quickly. Fewer than one in ten Americans actually fly each quarter, yet those who do spend more than $3,304 yearly on tickets.
Using frequent flyer points (which clever vacationers may supplement with airline miles credit cards) and organizing in advance are two strategies to get more out of your trip budget.
If you want to save money on the flight, it’s best to book at least 11 weeks (nearly three months) before your departure date, except for the peak summer travel season, when reserving at least seven weeks in advance is recommended.
The cost of transportation accounts for a whopping 54% of the total budget, and this percentage rises to almost 60% for international travel out of the US(with the exception of some trips to Canada and Mexico). Approximately 39% of the total expense of a domestic holiday is attributable to transportation.
About 6% of families choose rail, bus, or ship transport while taking a trip. Annually, almost 11 million Americans set sail on a cruise. Only 6% of vacationers budget money each year to cover the cost of taxi rides and other forms of local transportation.
American families will continue to take road vacations as long as petrol prices remain below $3 per gallon in 2015. In a normal quarter, about 21% of homes use their cars to go outside of their communities. While the vast majority of families use their own or leased cars on vacation, approximately 2% opt to hire a car or truck instead, spending an average of $1,223. Recreational vehicles (RVs) have a prominent cultural place, although just 0.5% of Americans actually use them for transportation.
Food cost on a trip to the USA
From the dazzling Cajun and Creole cuisines of New Orleans to the hearty soul food dishes of Harlem, and from the tantalizing steak meals of Texas to the famous New York hot dogs and Florida Key lime pie, American cuisine has earned a worldwide reputation.
To eat at a restaurant in the United States is around the same price as it is in Australia, albeit quantities are often larger and menu prices appear lower in the United States. Remember that taxes and gratuities are typically put on at the end. Tipping ranges from 15 to 20 percent of the bill.
The average cost of a restaurant meal is roughly US$17, with daily food expenses averaging US$42.
The following (before tax and service) is what you can anticipate spending on a supper for each diner:
Five to ten dollars for a cheap dinner at a fast food restaurant or food truck.
A moderate restaurant supper costs between $15 and $25.
US$50+ for a fine supper in a fancy restaurant
Fortunately, here are a few ways to save costs on food in the United States:
Share lunch with someone. Even if you only eat a small portion of each dish, you will likely still leave the table full.
Get some takeout. Request a box to take your leftovers to go if your hotel or Airbnb has a fridge or kitchen.
Prepare your own meals. Kitchens are available in many types of lodging, from Airbnb to hostels.