Average Vacation Costs in 2024: Transportation, Entertainment, and Budgeting Tips

Inflation is on the rise, affecting how Americans choose to spend their money. However, increased costs don’t seem to be getting in the way of Americans’ travel plans for 2024. According to a recent study published by Hilton, 64% of travelers are committed to reducing areas of personal spending to prioritize leisure travel in the new year. With rising costs top of mind, you may be wondering how much a vacation costs in 2024. In this post, we’ll go over average vacation costs, including transportation, lodging, food, and other expenses, as well as helpful budgeting tips for your next big trip.

Table of Contents:

• Average cost of a vacation
• Average cost of transportation
• Average cost of lodging
• Average cost of food
• Average cost of entertainment
• Travel budgeting tips

What Is the Average Cost of a Vacation in 2024?

The average cost of a vacation for a single person in the U.S. is $1,984 and $3,969 for a couple. If you’re traveling in a group of four, you can expect to pay upwards of $7,936 and up to $11,904 for a group of six.

Average vacation costs can vary significantly based on several factors, including your transportation methods, length of stay, number of people in your travel group, and the cost of food and entertainment—which we’ll break down in more detail below.

Average Cost of Transportation

Average Cost of Air Travel 

The average cost of a domestic round-trip flight is down $32 compared to last year — averaging a total of $257. The cost of airfare varies depending on the airline, destination, day of the week, and the season. 

For example, you can save an average of $90 if you book a midweek domestic flight. If you’re traveling around the holidays, you may see a spike in flight costs, with the average domestic round-trip flight costing around $400 during the holiday season. 

Average Cost of Ground Travel

In addition to transportation to and from your vacation destination, you also need to account for getting around during your stay—whether you’re renting a car, booking a Boston charter bus or a Chicago charter bus, using rideshare services, or utilizing public transportation. 

Of course, these costs can vary depending on your destination, where you’re staying, and what activities you’re planning. For example, if you’re traveling to a walkable city and your hotel or Airbnb is within walking distance of restaurants and other activities, you’ll likely save on transportation expenses. 

The average cost of renting a car is $45 per day, with gas prices currently sitting at $3.47 per gallon. If you decide not to rent a car, utilizing rideshare services like Uber or Lyft can help you get around during your stay—averaging around $1 to $2 per mile. Local transportation like taxis, public buses, and subways are also great ways to get around, averaging around $46 per day. 

When traveling in a large group or as a family, charter buses can be a great option for a road trip. On average, these types of buses can range from $1,200 to $1,500 per day or $3 to $5.50 per mile. At GOGO Charters, our minibus options can make long-distance trips a breeze—they’re complete with roomy seats, bathrooms, TVs, and plenty of space for your luggage. 

Average Cost of Lodging

Average hotel cost 

The average cost of a single hotel room is around $129 per night, while a double occupancy room averages $259 per night. You may end up paying more or less depending on where you stay. 

For example, Marriott hotels have an average daily rate of $173, while Hyatt charges around $267 per day. 

For family-friendly hotels, you can expect to pay an average of $214 per night. Whereas luxury resorts for families average around $350 per night.

Average vacation rental cost 

A vacation rental is a cost-effective option if you’re traveling in a group, and the per-night rate is significantly lower the longer you stay. The average nightly rate of an Airbnb for one night is $314 but drops to $213 per night for a seven-day stay, making the nightly rate for seven days 32% cheaper. 

When looking at per-person costs, small Airbnbs that fit two people average $125 per person, while large Airbnbs that host six people cost around $60 per person.

Average Cost of Food and Drinks

Food and dining experiences are a top budget priority during vacation—in fact, 86% of travelers are prioritizing dining in their 2024 travel budgets.

The average daily cost of food per person while on vacation is $58, while the average cost per meal is $23. However, this comes with caveats depending on where you dine, what meal you’re eating, and if you’re dining with other people. For example if you prioritize eating at fancy restaurants or splurging on fine dining, your daily costs will be much higher.

Whether you’re sipping a piña colada on the beach or enjoying a martini at a cocktail bar, drinks are also something you want to budget for if that’s something you enjoy. On average, you can expect to spend $27 a day on alcoholic beverages when traveling.

Average Cost of Entertainment

No vacation is complete without some fun and entertainment. Here’s a breakdown of some activities you might consider while on vacation and their average costs: 

• Amusement park average ticket cost: $27-$169  
• National park average cost: $7-$20 per person or $5-$35 per vehicle 
• Average concert cost: $252
• Average cost of museums: $25-$30 
• Average cost of sporting events: $109/ticket

If you’re looking for ways to save, try buying tickets ahead of time or during off-peak months. For example, Disneyland tickets are much cheaper during non-holiday months and periods when school is in session. Aside from a price reduction, you can also enjoy a less crowded park during these times.

Budgeting Tips for Your Next Vacation

Vacation costs can add up quickly. If you’re looking for ways to cut costs, here are a few tips to help you plan a memorable vacation without breaking the bank. 

• Set your budget: In addition to necessities—airfare, lodging, and food—set aside some money for unexpected expenses. This will give you a cushion so you can have some leeway with your travel spending. 
• Book in advance: Planning and booking your trip at least four months in advance can lead to greater savings than booking one month out.  
• Fly during the week: Flying during the week can save you an average of $90 compared to catching a weekend flight. 
• Travel during off-seasons: Because demand is lower during off-peak travel seasons, you can save on travel expenses and enjoy a less crowded getaway by booking during these times.  
• Utilize travel rewards: Using a travel credit card for daily expenses can help you rack up travel rewards and points that to fund vacation costs like airfare and lodging. 
• Prepare your meals: Half of U.S. travelers cook meals to cut costs when traveling. Consider making some of your meals and limiting yourself to only dining out once per day.  
• Plan a staycation: If you want to experience a vacation but are looking for a less expensive and easier option, consider a staycation in your area or a neighboring city. 
• Travel with a group: Group travel is a great way to get the most bang for your buck since you can split costs. For example, booking an Airbnb with a group and splitting the costs is 33% cheaper than booking three hotel rooms.
• Take advantage of free amenities: If you plan to stay at a hotel, try looking for one with free breakfast and a pool—a great way to save on food and entertainment costs.

Plan Your Next Vacation with GOGO Charters

Average vacation costs can vary depending on the size of your group. If you’re planning your next family vacation, consider GOGO Charters for your transportation needs. Our range of minibusses can make traveling to your next vacation destination comfortable and convenient for your family or friends. Call us at 866-213-0359 to learn how we can help you with your vacation planning. 

Sources: Budget Your Trip | Hilton | U.S. Energy and Information Association | Hopper | Upgraded Points | HomeToGo | National Park Service | Wall Street Journal | NY Times | MarketWatch | NerdWallet