What if I run out of money halfway through?

Stop all non-essential activities, pivot to free walking tours, visit public parks, and utilize grocery stores for all meals until the end of the trip.

Should I include flights in my daily budget?

No. Treat flights as a 'sunk cost' paid before you leave. Only track daily spending on the ground to keep your math simple and actionable.

How to set a realistic daily travel budget

To set a realistic budget, calculate your 'fixed' daily costs like accommodation and transport, then add a 20% buffer for impulsive spending and emergencies. Track your actual spending daily to ensure you aren't exceeding your limit before the end of the trip.

Calculate your fixed overhead. Identify your non-negotiables for every day: total accommodation cost per night, daily average for trains or transit passes, and a set amount for coffee/breakfast. Add these up first to find your 'floor' price.
Research regional 'mid-range' variables. Search for the average price of a standard meal (not fast food, not fine dining) and one entry fee for a popular site in your destination. Multiply these by your total number of days to get a realistic 'variable' cost.
Add the 20% safety buffer. Take your total (Fixed + Variable) and multiply it by 0.20. Set this money aside as a 'do not touch' fund for unexpected Ubers, higher-than-expected museum prices, or pharmacy visits.
Audit daily. At the end of each day, spend 5 minutes logging what you spent in a simple spreadsheet or app. If you overspent, reduce the budget for the following day by that same amount.

What if I run out of money halfway through?: Stop all non-essential activities, pivot to free walking tours, visit public parks, and utilize grocery stores for all meals until the end of the trip.
Should I include flights in my daily budget?: No. Treat flights as a 'sunk cost' paid before you leave. Only track daily spending on the ground to keep your math simple and actionable.