ilovelabs2003

My husband and I are trying not to spend too much on our upcoming trip. I got a $1300 stipend recently for being a class advisor at my school. We were planning on using that for spending money, but I know that is probably not enough for 16 days on London and Ireland, but how much more will we need? The amount will not include airfare and hotels, of course.

Any ideas?

Jackie

Can't say for London, but I used Rick Steves Ireland book for a budget guide. He suggests (pppd) $25 for dinner, $15 for lunch and $25 for entertainment. My last trip to Ireland, we spent more than this for meals, but plan to be more budget conscious this time. We'll see....

twina49

ilovelabs:

We recently spent 15 days in England, Scotland & Wales and I budgeted for $100 per day spending money, but I never really spent that much in a days time. It all depends, though, on what you want your money to cover. I had all accommodations, car rental, train tickets and a Great British Heritage pass already purchased before I left, so the only thing I really had to worry about was petrol (gas) and food, plus gifts for myself and others. It also depends on where you want to stay, too, because that can differ wildly based on whether you're going to be in a hostel, bed & breakfast, hotel or self-catering rental, which is what we went for.

twina49

Sorry - I just realized you said your amount didn't include hotels, so disregard my mention of accommodations!

nytraveler

Well -

If Rick Steves says that you need $130 per couple per day spending - I would asume that 's quite basic. (We allow considerably more than that - some days being modest - but some days doing nice restaurants.)

Also- have you allowed money for transportation - car rental or train - how will you get around? That would have to be in addition to the $130 per day.

Perhaps you should do a daily budget breakdown - putting in transport - and the costs of some of the major things you want to do. You can always be very modest on food - pick up a sandwich to eat on a park bench - or buy something at the grocery store - but a lot is not within your control. For instance - the Tower of London is now somethng like $15 per person.

And if you want to do even one or two nice meals - or special experiences - I would assume at least $100 per day per person.

ira

Hi love,

> I got a $1300 stipend ...for 16 days <

You have $81 (approx 68E) per day.

Lunch 10E

Dinner 45E

Miscellany 13E

Watch how much wine and beer you drink and how many souveniers you buy. You will be OK.

ilovelabs2003

Car in Ireland is already paid for. We will tube it around London. I am assuming there is some sort of pass or carnet of tickets we can buy. We are not restricted to $1300, BTW, I just wanted to know how much more we needed on top of that.

Thanks for all of the advice!