Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
teenager. (Remember that a sleeping-car ticket includes the price
of your dining-car meals. If you're riding in a sleeper, figure out
how many meals you'll be having onboard the train and don't
budget for those. Do remember the tips, though.)
If you'll be renting a car along the way, the rental car com-
pany's Web site will compute the cost when you enter the appro-
priate dates and times for pickup and drop-off. If possible, try to
return the car at the same time of day you picked it up. Most rental
car companies really whack you for those two or three additional
hours. Should you have an accident in that rental car, your per-
sonal automobile insurance will probably cover you, but talk to
your insurance agent before you leave to make sure of the details.
When it comes to sightseeing at the various stops in an itiner-
ary, I would allow $20 to $40 per person per day. (Don't count
the days you'll be on the train. All of that
sightseeing is free!)
Going to be shopping and buying souvenirs? Don't guess at
an average daily amount. Instead, decide what you can afford
and budget that lump sum for the entire trip. If you're traveling
with children, decide on an appropriate shopping allowance for
each of them. Then give each child the money up front and—this
is important—tell them that when it's gone, it's gone!
You'll also have small but frequent miscellaneous expenses,
such as tips, snacks, fees for checked baggage, film, and others.
Allow a total of $20-25 per day for such costs.
Be realistic and work with daily averages, and you'll be
amazed at how accurate your estimate will be. A good estimate
of your travel expenses, done now, is an important double check
that your trip will be affordable. It will also be a valuable guide
to keep you on budget during your vacation.
Book Your Space Early
Make your rail reservations as soon as your dates of departure
and return are definite, when you've decided on your destina-
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