Short or long trip: how to compare the cost per day
Cost per day shows why a long trip can cost less per day, but not necessarily in total.
Short answer: cost per day is the trip total divided by the number of days. In general, fixed costs (tickets, documents, insurance) are spread over longer trips, and the cost per day tends to fall while the total rises. Comparing the two numbers helps decide between a short and a long trip, according to your budget and what you want to experience.
Fixed costs
These exist regardless of length: round-trip tickets, documents, insurance (which may vary with duration) and arrival and departure transfers. The more days, the more these costs are spread out.
Daily costs
These are the costs that grow with each day: accommodation, food, local transport and activities. They set the slope of the total cost curve.
Scenarios
Consider three scenarios for the same destination, with fictional values:
- 4-day trip: tickets and fixed costs $3,000; daily costs $500 a day. Total: $3,000 + $2,000 = $5,000. Cost per day: $1,250.
- 7-day trip: fixed $3,000; daily costs $500 a day. Total: $3,000 + $3,500 = $6,500. Cost per day: about $929.
- 14-day trip: fixed $3,000; daily costs $450 a day (with cheaper accommodation on long stays). Total: $3,000 + $6,300 = $9,300. Cost per day: about $664.
What the numbers show
The longer the trip, the lower the cost per day, but the total is higher. If your limit is the total budget, the short trip fits; if you want to make better use of the investment in fixed costs, the long one may pay off. Other factors also weigh: vacation days available, tiredness, wanting to explore calmly and being able to be away from home.
How to compare
- Estimate the fixed costs separately.
- Estimate the daily rate based on accommodation, food, transport and activities.
- Calculate the total and the cost per day for each length.
- Define the limit of your total budget.
- Consider the value of the experience, not just the cost.