Welcome to our ongoing series that asks: How Much Does it Cost to Travel?
The goal of this series is to provide you with real budgets people have used for trips they have actually taken. This could be anything from a long weekend in Miami to 6 months backpacking around South East Asia. It’s our hope that by shining a spotlight on what people are actually spending- and the value they get for it, you will have a better idea of what it really costs to travel.
All of the travel budgets will live on this dedicated page.
Today’s budget is from Kara of Creative Heart Travel.
Contents
Where did you go?
I went to Washington State, spent time with my great aunt in Everett and spent 2 days exploring Seattle
Briefly, what was your itinerary?
I took the Amtrak Train from Vancouver to Everett, WA. From there my Aunt picked me up at the train station and took me to stay overnight at her place. The next day I took a transit bus into Seattle from Everett and spent 2 days exploring Seattle.
How much money did you spend overall?
Train Ticket from Vancouver, BC to Everett, WA = $48 US
Transit (Orca Card) = $20 US
Accomodation = free (I stayed at my aunts place in Everett).
Meals = $25 US/day
Activities = $79 US
Total = $202 US
How much did you spend on transportation?
$68 US (Amtrak and Transit in Seattle)
What kind of accommodation did you stay in?
Stayed in my own comfortable room at my aunt’s place in Everett.
What sort of activities did you do?
I bought the Seattle City Pass for $79 US which granted me access to 6 top attractions in the city. I went to the top of the Space Needle twice (during the day and at night for the sunset) I took a cruise around Seattle’s inner harbor. I visited the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum as well as the Museum of Pop Culture. My ultimate favorite was visiting Pike Place Market! One night I also attended a couchsurfing meetup and met some cool people.
What did you splurge on? Was it worth it?
I splurged on buying the Seattle City Pass as opposed to just paying per attraction. I only saw 4 out of the 6 on the list but it was definitely worth the money spent!
What did you scrimp on? Are you happy with that decision?
I scrimped on accomodation and stayed for free with my aunt. I am definitely happy with that decision as I got my own comfy room and she made me breakfast!
Did you purchase any special souvenirs?
I didn’t buy any souvenirs as nothing really caught my eye. The best souvenirs were the pictures I took and the memories made!
Did you do anything special to save up for this trip?
No I just spent what I had in the bank.
Do you have any regrets regarding how you budgeted this trip? Would you do things differently next time?
This trip to Seattle was also part of a trip to Colorado to where I also visited my aunt, uncle and cousin on my dad’s side of the family. I went a little bit in debt to take this trip (which I quickly paid off when I got home). I took this trip on a whim and booked the flight to Denver, CO on the spur of the moment.
