How to Create a Travel Budget: A Comprehensive Guide & Free Template

21st July 2025

Budget travel

Travel is an opportunity for something extra in life. Ensure your next holiday is stress-free by crafting a travel budget and discovering how it can enhance your travel experience!

 

Crafting Your Travel Budget with Red Tree Finance:

Whether you’re saving up on a low income to travel next holiday break, or even just wanting to maximise your next vacation, we believe in empowering you to plan your journeys wisely. Use our free travel budget template to streamline your financial planning process. Our template includes pre-filled categories that are easily customisable to fit your unique travel style.

Planning to Travel? What to Budget For and Why

Embarking on a new adventure brings excitement and anticipation, but a well-thought-out travel budget ensures a smooth journey. 

Worried you are forgetting something? We have carefully considered the key components of a well-planned trip. Read on for practical insights and a free template, ensuring your travel experience is a financially savvy one. Let’s turn your travel dreams into reality. 

Accommodation

Researching your destination is the first step in creating a travel budget. Research accommodation options based on your preferences, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, or even inexpensive or free camping areas. Our free travel budget template includes a section to allocate funds for your stay.

Transportation

Transportation costs can vary, whether it’s flights, trains,  rental cars or even fuel. Consider not only how you arrive and leave your destination eg. the flights, but how much you intend to move around during your trip – it all adds up! Plan ahead and use our template to estimate expenses. 

Meals and Dining

Eating out is a significant part of travel, and budgeting for meals is crucial. Allocate funds for dining experiences and local cuisine. It’s a big part of what makes travel so great!

You can also plan to buy and cook your food, just make sure you have access to kitchen facilities along the way. 

Activities and Excursions

Explore the attractions and activities at your destination. Whether it’s museum tickets, guided tours, or adventure sports, budgeting for experiences enhances your travel. The template provides a dedicated section to plan and allocate funds for activities.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Unforeseen expenses can pop up during your trip. Allocate a portion of your budget for emergencies or unexpected costs and be prepared for surprises while on the road. Remain comfortable knowing you have enough to get you through any not-so-nice situations. 

A great site to check out for travel advice is Smartraveller, it is for Australians planning to travel, or already travelling or living, overseas. Their purpose is to help Australians travel overseas safely, reduce their risks, and avoid problems.

Travel Insurance

Prioritise your well-being with travel insurance. Allocate funds to cover potential medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or unexpected events. Be aware there can be long delays while waiting for travel insurance reimbursements. Securing comprehensive coverage can help you to have a worry-free journey.

Vaccinations/Medication

Ensure a healthy travel experience by budgeting for necessary vaccinations and medications. Research the health requirements of your destination and allocate funds accordingly. 

Visas/Passport Renewal

Avoid last-minute hassles by including visa fees and passport renewal costs in your travel budget. Plan ahead to ensure all necessary travel documents are up to date, contributing to a smooth and stress-free journey.

Tips

Factor in gratuities for services received during your travels. Tipping culture varies, so research the customary practices at your destination and allocate funds accordingly. In many overseas countries expressing your appreciation for services and experiences with tips is commonplace.

Your Travel Budget Template

Creating a travel budget is a crucial step in planning a memorable trip. Download our template and embark on your journey with confidence.

Download my Travel Budget

Our Customer Care team

Our team of professionals are ready and willing to help make your travel dreams a reality. Contact our Customer care team on (02) 9044 5633. For more information on our financial services, contact us or apply for assistance today.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good travel budget?

Determining a “good” travel budget depends on various factors, including your destination, travel style, duration of stay, and personal preferences.

The Red Tree Finance travel budget template is versatile and can be customised for any destination, ensuring a tailored budget for your specific travel needs.

Remember that your travel budget is personal and should align with your financial situation and comfort level. It’s crucial to be realistic and ensure that your budget allows for an enjoyable experience without causing financial stress. Regularly update your budget as plans evolve and always be mindful of your spending during the trip.

How do you format a travel budget?

Formatting a travel budget can be done in various ways, depending on your preferences and the level of detail you want to include. However, a common and clear way to format a travel budget is by using a table. 

Our template is designed for easy navigation and customisation. Simply download it, fill in your details, and start planning your trip with confidence.

How do you calculate travel costs?

Calculating travel costs involves breaking down various expenses associated with your journey. Be flexible and allow for unforeseen expenses. Ensure you utilise budgeting tools to stay organised and within your budget during your travels.

The information provided in this blog is of a general nature and is provided without considering your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, investment, or other professional advice.

Before making any financial decisions or taking action based on the information presented, you are strongly encouraged to assess its appropriateness in light of your individual circumstances. Red Tree Finance does not intend to provide personalised financial advice, and you should seek independent financial, legal, tax, and other relevant advice tailored to your unique situation.

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WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. The above uses a comparison rate of 47% and upfront establishment fees of $420.

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