How to budget for a trip
Most people underestimate their travel costs by forgetting the categories that aren't front of mind when booking. A complete trip budget has five parts:
- Flights — usually the biggest single cost for Australians travelling overseas
- Accommodation — highly variable; the choice between a $25 guesthouse and a $200 hotel changes the whole budget
- Food and drink — often underestimated, especially in cities with expensive cafe culture
- Local transport — taxis, trains, scooter hire, or day tours
- Activities and entry fees — museums, national parks, experiences
Always add a contingency buffer of at least 10–15% on top. Unexpected costs — a pharmacy visit, a lost booking, a spontaneous side trip — are normal, not exceptional.
Daily cost benchmarks by region (2026)
| Region | Budget/day | Mid-range/day | Luxury/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | $55–$70 | $155–$185 | $500–$630 |
| East Asia | $80–$95 | $220–$265 | $700–$820 |
| Europe | $140–$170 | $390–$470 | $1,100–$1,340 |
| Americas | $165–$190 | $470–$555 | $1,280–$1,560 |
| Australia & Pacific | $125–$145 | $370–$440 | $1,100–$1,310 |
| Middle East | $115–$130 | $380–$430 | $1,200–$1,360 |
Per person per day, excluding flights. AUD estimates for 2026.
Flights from Australia
Flight costs are the most variable part of any international trip. Prices can differ by 3–4× depending on when you book, which airline you choose, and whether you're flexible on dates. Some benchmarks for return economy fares from Sydney or Melbourne:
- Bali / Southeast Asia — $350–$700 (direct flights available)
- Japan / South Korea — $500–$1,100
- Europe — $1,200–$2,500 (via hub; direct flights are much more)
- USA — $1,400–$2,800
- New Zealand / Pacific Islands — $250–$600
Book 3–6 months in advance for the best prices on long-haul routes. Bali and Southeast Asia can often be booked 4–8 weeks out without significant price increases.
How to save money while travelling
The biggest lever is accommodation — switching from a 3-star hotel to a well-reviewed guesthouse or apartment typically saves $50–$100 per night without sacrificing much comfort. Other high-impact savings:
- Eat where locals eat — a short walk from the main tourist square usually halves meal prices
- Use public transport instead of taxis, especially for airport transfers
- Book activities directly rather than through hotel concierges or tour aggregators
- Travel shoulder season (one month before or after peak) — cheaper flights and less crowded
- Use a no-foreign-fee card (Wise, Revolut, ING Orange) to avoid 2–3% FX charges on every transaction