The idea of coming up with a vacation to the United States presents some interesting opportunities, but first, one needs to know how much it’s going to cost them. The costs of a 10-day trip depend on the place of travel, method of accommodation, type of transport, and the choice of expenses. This is what could cost you:
1. Flights
Average Cost: $400 – $1,500 (Round trip in economy)
Ticket prices are highly dependent on where you intend to fly to the USA, the time you book your flight and the period of the year. For example, a flight from Europe or Asia is going to be much more costly than a flight from a nearby country such as Canada or even Mexico. In this regard, you can only book your accommodation several months in advance and avoid the time of the increased tariffs.
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Chicago, IL, USA
2. Accommodation
Average Cost: $100 – $300 per night
They depend on the type of accommodation, as well as the city that one is visiting. You can find quite cheap hotels or hostels in less touristy cities to cost $50 and even cheaper, but mid-range hotels in New York or Los Angeles will cost not less than $200 per night. Average charges per trip for 10 days range between $ 1000 and $ 3000.
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3. Food and Dining
Average Cost: $30 – $70 per day
American meals can be categorized as economy food which costs about $8-$15 per meal and expensive meals that cost over $50 a meal. There are two main ways people approach their restaurants eating budget and gourmet, and casual, or fast food budget-minded people spending anywhere between $30 per day to $70 per day for a gourmet restaurant guest experience.
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4. Transportation
Average Cost: $300 – $800
Transportation costs depend on whether you’re renting a car, using public transportation, or taking domestic flights. Car rentals typically cost $30 – $70 per day, excluding gas. City travelers can use subways and buses, which usually cost $2 – $5 per ride. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft may also add to the budget.
East Glacier Park Village, MT, USA
5. Attractions and Activities
Average Cost: $200 – $700
From national parks to theme parks and museums, the cost of attractions varies widely. Entry fees for national parks average $20-$35 per vehicle, while tickets for popular theme parks like Disneyland or Universal Studios can exceed $100 per person. Budget for guided tours, special events, or adventure activities like helicopter rides if they’re on your itinerary.
6. Travel Insurance
Average Cost: $50 – $100
Travel insurance is a must-have for international trips. Coverage costs depend on the level of protection and your age but generally fall within this range for a 10-day trip.
7. Miscellaneous Expenses
Average Cost: $100 – $300
Souvenirs, tips, snacks, and other unplanned expenses should also be accounted for. While tipping is customary in the USA, it typically ranges from 15% to 20% of the bill in restaurants and $1-$5 for services like hotel housekeeping or baggage handling.
Total Estimated Cost
- Budget Trip: $1,500 – $3,000
- Mid-Range Trip: $3,000 – $6,000
- Luxury Trip: $6,000+
Tips for Saving Money
- Plan: For better discounts, make your bookings of flights and accommodation as early as possible.
- Travel Off-Season: The amount of traveling can be reduced during the most popular tourist months in various places as it is usually more expensive in terms of flights and accommodations.
- Use Passes: Check out city passes or national park annual passes to give further reductions on tourist attractions.
- Opt for Public Transportation: Avoid car rentals and parking charges by using buses, trains, or even having a ride.
- Eat Smart: To follow this diet less than 30% of the time eat at restaurants but prepare meals or eat at cheaper prices.
- Utilize travel reward programs: If you have credit cards or memberships with travel reward programs, make use of them to earn points that can be redeemed for flights, accommodation, or other travel-related expenses. Research different programs and choose the ones that align with your travel goals.
- Consider alternative accommodation options: Instead of staying in expensive hotels, explore other cost-effective accommodation options like vacation rentals, hostels, or even couchsurfing. These alternatives can provide unique experiences while saving you money.
Ten-day visit to the USA – that can be done on any budget. By evaluating the possible costs that you might need to incur you will be ready to maximize the gains of your American adventure erring on the side of caution.