I would appreciate some advice please. I am still considering Route 66, I would love to do it but I am wondering how much money I would realistically need to take with me for meals etc. I wouldn't want to miss anything as it would be a "once only" experience.

Margaret :idea:

Hi JustMargaret,

Budgetting is such a personal thing but to offer some guidance here are a few things to think about....

The good thing about America is that in terms of meals there is something to suit every budget. You'll need to budget for lunches and evening meals - when I travel to the states I tend to allocate a similar amount as if I was eating out in the UK and I haven't run out of money yet.

In addition to meals you'll need to consider whether or not you will be joining any of the optional excursions, you may be able to book some of these before you leave the UK (2015 excursions are not yet in the system). Finally you'll then need to just think about any souviners that you want to bring home from your trip.

Hope this helps a little.

Kindest regards,

Julia

Hi Margaret,

I haven't done Route 66 (hopefully in a couple of years!) but I've done the National Parks tour which is virtually the same length and similar type of itinerary. I usually budget around $50 or so a day for meals, with some extra money for souvenirs etc. I think I brought a little over $1,000 with me and had some left over. I always book all the optional excursions before I go when possible; but if some can only be booked when away, I make sure I include the total cost of them in my budgeting as well. Usually the excursions have to be paid in cash - the only ones that can sometimes be paid by credit card are the scenic flights, but it would be worth checking this out beforehand. Don't forget to let your bank/credit card company know you are travelling so you can use your cards without hassle while away. Hope this helps!

Cheers,

Bob

PS hope you have a brilliant holiday!

Hi Margaret,

Although its not the same holiday, Bob Grey stated in his review for the National Parks Trip, that he budgeted around $50 a day for food, drinks and souvenirs. So I've used this to budget for my holiday to the state and added a little extra because I know I'll want to bring back lots of souvenirs.

In addition to this, I always take when holidaying a small emergency fund in English money (around £200) just in case and my credit card to be on the safe side.

Kind Regards

Kezzer

I usually budget $100 a day and work on that. Any money left over goes into the next days pot. If I know there is bookable tours, then I hope to book them before I go. Do remember tips for tour manager, coach driver and various hotels. This also eats into your money and by the end of a long trip, can be quite expensive. I always put some back for this. If I have any left over, I spend at the airport and then put into a purse for next time. Have a wallet for notes and a purse for the coins. I have found that some journeys I do not change much as I have so much left over. My last US dollars went to my daughter for her trip to the US at New Year and left over Euros went on a hen do.

Jan

Thankyou everyone, that's really helpful - I can feel a booking coming on!