Another way to think about your travel estimate is to break it into pieces. There are four major cost components to a trip, plus one key cost "influencer." – which is length of the trip. They are transportation, accommodation, dining and activities..
Transportation
Do you want to fly economy, business or first class? Will you use frequent flyer miles for the ticket or to upgrade? Will you need additional transportation (i.e., public transit, rental car, chauffeur, etc.) when there? These choices greatly affect your overall costs.
Accommodations
If exclusive luxury is what you want, be prepared to spend $400+ per night no matter where you go. In general, accommodation will account for a hefty piece of the total cost.
Dining
Do you prefer gourmet restaurants, or a more casual environment? Is your idea of breakfast a granola bar or eggs benedict delivered by room service? Depending on your personal tastes and eating habits, food can account for a large (or small) percentage of your travel cost.
Entertainment & Activities
The cost of local activities can range from zero to $$$, depending on what your destination offers and what you like to do. Cost of relaxing by the sea for seven days - nothing. Cost of renting a private boat to visit a deserted beach - much more! When budgeting, take into account personal interests such as visiting the spa, golfing, scuba diving, and shopping. There are cost tradeoffs in the degree to which you indulge in the local scene.
Trip Length
The average length of our trips are 10 days. Varying the length of your trip is one of the easiest ways to affect the total cost. It is also a good way to increase the level of luxury - go for fewer days but stay at a five-star hotel instead of a four.
Many other factors may influence the cost of your trip. These include: the number of destinations you visit, the destination itself, high season vs. low season, etc.
Suggestions
Assess and prioritize the factors listed above. If you don't care about airline comfort, fly economy and spend your money on fine wines or premium theater tickets. Increase your luxury quotient beyond your budget by mixing hotels - split your stay between the "top" hotel and a more modest, but completely enjoyable one. If you have frequent flyer miles, this is a great time to use them
| |
| First class airfare from NY |
$5500 |
|
Economy class airfare from NY |
$2000 |
| First class internal flights |
$750 |
|
Economy class internal flights |
$300 |
| 2 nights in Estancia |
$600 |
|
5 nights in a standard room at the Alvear Palace |
$2000 |
| 5 nights in suite at the Alvear Palace |
$2500 |
|
2 nights in deluxe rooms at the Llao Llao Hotel |
$1000 |
| 4 nights in a suite at the Llao Llao |
$2500 |
|
1 massage for each of you |
$150 |
| 5 visits to the spa for each of you |
$800 |
|
3 gourmet dinners |
$300 |
| Gourmet dinners with great wine each night |
$1500 |
|
4 casual dinners |
$200 |
| 3 rounds of golf for two |
$700 |
|
1 round of golf for two |
$200 |
| Helicopter ride |
$200 |
|
|
|
| 5 other major activities |
$750 |
|
3 major activities for two |
$450 |
| Additional food, drink, and misc. expenses |
$750 |
|
Additional food, drink and misc. expenses |
$500 |
| TOTAL COST |
$16,500 |
|
TOTAL COST |
$7100 |
You can see how different components add up, depending on how you prefer to travel and enjoy yourselves. Ultimately, your travel budget is a very personal decision that is completely dependent on your financial situation and your travel interests. Starting with a general idea of your preferences, limitations and desires will help streamline the planning process and make it easier to choose the best combination of amenities for you.
