How to Calculate Travel Expenses

When taking a road trip, whether you are vacationing or just traveling, you want to account for as many expenses as possible. By accounting for travel expenses you can plan for more souvenir spending. Follow these steps to help calculate travel expenses for your traveling destinations.

Instructions

1

The first step in calculating your travel expenses, vacation expense or business expense, is to write down all ways of travel and the amount of time it is going to take to get to your destination. If you are flying, proceed to step 2. If you are driving, proceed to step 3.

2

Get quotes on airline tickets. Once you find the best price, buy the ticket. If you are buying a one-way ticket, figure in the price of a returning ticket. Calculate the travel expense to the airport. If you are using a rental car, calculate the cost-per-day for the car plus the mileage expense. You may also be required to buy gas. If you are driving your own vehicle, calculate the rate for the parking garage into your travel expenses.

3

Traveling by car is always the cheapest way of travel. Use Google maps or another online mapping site to calculate the mileage to your destination. Based on the gas mileage your vehicle gets, divide the mileage by the cars MPG. This will give you a gallon amount. Multiply the gallons by the going rate for a gallon of gas. Estimate high for states that may have a higher gas price. You will also need to calculate food for travel. Figure 12 dollars a day per person for meal travel expense. Pack snacks and drinks to save money on this travel expense.

4

Check online for toll roads. This is an expense that many travelers forget. Some toll roads are as high as $4. Keep cash and change on hand to pay for these toll roads.

5

If the trip requires more than one day of travel, figure in a motel room. Call and reserve a room in advance to get a cheaper rate. This will also give you a destination within a destination when making long trips.

6

Travel expense software is also available for download to help you figure in all costs for travel expenses. This software would be great for someone who takes frequent trips and wants to save extra money.