3 Travelers Reveal Their Summer Vacation Costs: From $2,000 Road Trips to $15,000 Getaways

A Look at the Costs of Summer Vacations

Summer is a time for relaxation, fun, and creating lasting memories. However, as the season comes to an end, many people are left with a reality check: the financial impact of their travels. Three women shared their detailed breakdowns of how they spent on their summer vacations, revealing both the splurges and the smart savings.

The Happiest Babymoon on Earth

Sarah, a spiritual life coach, took her husband on a babymoon to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. This trip was a three-in-one celebration—anniversary, Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, and a pre-baby getaway. The total cost came to $8,479.78.

Pre-travel expenses: $539.43
This included two pieces of luggage and a blowout.

Transportation: Points + $264.21
The couple used credit card points for flights, saving money on airfare. They paid for checked bags and Ubers to and from the airport.

Hotel: $3,889.36 + $264
They stayed at the Beach Club Villas, which offered a spa massage for $264.

Food and drink: $1,556.41 (plus $11.68 for water)
They dined at Disney restaurants and the festival, with a special anniversary dinner. Sarah enjoyed park snacks, while her husband indulged in cocktails.

Park passes: $1,455.32 + $311
They bought discounted Park Hopper tickets, saving around $70.

Souvenirs: $188.37
They purchased items like a Zelda water bottle and umbrella, and even downloaded free ride photos.

A Trip Down South Using Credit Card Points

Samantha, who works in higher education, planned a family vacation to Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia. With four travelers, the total cost was $2,063.78.

Transportation: Points + $973.78
They used credit card points strategically, avoiding checked bag fees and plane wifi. They rented vehicles for part of the trip.

Lodging: Points
They stayed with family and used loyalty points for hotel stays, getting great deals on rooms.

Food and drink: $639
They had meals at airports, local spots, and included breakfast at hotels. They also tried local treats like peach cider and ice cream.

Souvenirs: $45
They bought stickers, comic books, and turtle souvenirs for the kids.

Excursions: $325
They visited museums, trampoline parks, and marine centers. They also treated themselves to massages using health insurance reimbursement.

Miscellaneous: $81
They picked up essentials like Advil and groceries at Walmart and Dollar Tree.

A Multiweek, Multicity Whirlwind

Emily, who works in the tech industry, took a big family trip across Aruba, Cape Cod, Boston, and Pittsburgh. With five travelers, including multiple relatives, the total cost was $15,325.03.

Pre-travel expenses: $349
They bought new suitcases, repair kits, packing cubes, and toys for the kids.

Transportation: $9,598.03
They flew between cities, rented minivans, and paid for car seats and gas.

Lodging: $2,131.63
They stayed with family in Pittsburgh and Boston, and rented a condo in Aruba.

Food and drink: $2,585.37
They split grocery costs and had meals out, including date nights and takeouts.

Excursions: $607
They went to museums, arcades, and enjoyed activities like golfing and massages.

Miscellaneous: $54
They had to buy a toilet seat insert for their child and an ED card for Aruba.

Each of these trips highlights the different ways families can plan and budget for their summer adventures, balancing luxury with practicality. Whether it's a babymoon at Disney, a Southern road trip, or a multi-city journey, the key is to enjoy the experience while being mindful of the costs.