Planning a group vacation can be difficult when it comes to knowing how much money each person needs for the trip. The Vacation Cost Planner will calculate the total trip cost and cost per person for you in this easy to use Excel template.
How to use the Vacation Cost Planner
Download the template and open it in Excel. The document has placeholders for you to write over. Enter in the total number of travelers for the trip and how long the trip will be. Ignore the boxes below those as they will calculate for you.
The next row is for you to figure out the cost of gasoline for the trip if you are driving. It’s ok to round up or estimate the average amounts. The “Total” at the bottom will fill in automatically. If you are not driving, simply put “No” under “Add to Trip?”.
If you are flying, move down to “Airfare” and enter the amount it costs for just one person to fly. Factor in the cost of plane tickets, baggage fees, and other airport charges. If you are not renting a car, enter zero for the amount and the total will calculate. If you are driving, put “No” under “Add to Trip?”.
“Meals” is the category below. Enter in an estimate for how much one meal will cost one person and how many meals a day you expect to eat. Next is “Lodging” where you put how much one room costs each night. With the total nights stayed and amount of rooms added, your total at the bottom will show you the full cost.
The “Entertainment” category can be used for event prices and other activities. For each activity you enter a cost for, put “Yes” or “No” under “Add to Total?”. Enter all zeros if you do not have an activity planned.
Once all your information is entered, scroll back up to the top of the page and you’ll the “Total Trip Cost” and “Cost Per Person” has been automatically filled in according to your data. You’re done! Use this information to help plan your vacation and figure out if driving or flying is the best way to go.
Download the Vacation Cost Planner
Template courtesy of Microsoft
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