This is a full breakdown of my recent travel expenses, with the honest numbers behind my 30th birthday trip, my bachelorette party, and a few local adventures from this Summer and early Fall.
TL;DR: I spent $3,051.62 on travel between the months of July and September. This quarter’s travels included a trip to upstate New York to commemorate my 30th birthday, my bachelorette party on the shores of Lake Erie, tickets for a concert in Austin, and the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival. Though this quarter was twice as expensive as the last, I’m still within my budget of allocating 20% of my annual income to travel.
Quick totals: Accommodations - $1,644.28 | Experiences - $967.50 | Food & Drink - $439.84 | Total - $3,051.62
The Trips
This quarter was full of celebration.
In July, I coordinated a birthday trip to Letchworth State Park. I’m only turning 30 once so I went all out with a weekend of whitewater rafting, good food, and even better friends.
In August, I celebrated my bachelorette party at a lakeside cottage in Ohio.
In September, I coasted into newlywed bliss and took a solo hiking trip because life is all about balance. My husband and I ended the quarter with a Renaissance Festival outing with some of our friends.
In Q3, I also secured tickets for a Spring concert in Austin, TX, but more on that in future posts.
The Cost Breakdowns
Accommodations — $1,644.28
I covered the accommodation for everyone who attended my birthday trip in July. I needed a place big enough for me and 15 others so this house was the splurge of the quarter. Absolutely worth every penny. Our whole crew stayed at a historic farmhouse that was literally 5 minutes from the entrance to Letchworth State Park. Click here to read the full recap of my birthday trip.
At the other end of the spectrum, I spent about $10 total on a campsite for my solo hiking trip at Raccoon Creek State Park in Southwestern Pennsylvania. This quiet day in the woods was the perfect recovery after my excitement-filled wedding weekend.
Airbnb for my birthday trip in Letchworth, NY — $1,633.78
Campsite reservation — $10.50
Experiences — $967.50
Rafting was the biggest experience cost this quarter because I paid for everyone upfront and was reimbursed later. Concert tickets came in at $107.02 for a show in March, and that includes tickets for both me and my husband. We still need to buy the flights because the show is in Austin, TX, but I’ve got my flight alerts set and am waiting for the right time to purchase. Beyond that, the only other experience-related cost was admission for two to the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival in West Newton, PA.
Whitewater rafting in Letchworth State Park — $810.00
Concert tickets — $107.02
Renaissance Festival admission for two — $51.00
Food & Drink — $439.84
All food spending this quarter came from my Letchworth birthday trip. This included my portion of groceries for the house, two coffee stops, a Chinese buffet after rafting, and some local-brewed cider.
My girls paid for the vast majority of my bachelorette weekend. I only had to pay for a couple drinks and my portion of Sunday brunch.
Groceries in New York — $36.27
Coffee in Letchworth — $17.26
Coffee in Letchworth — $9.50
Chinese buffet after rafting — $36.60
Drinks at Three Falls Cider House — $12.42
Drinks and brunch during my bach party — $130
The Honest Part
Was it worth it? I firmly believe that creating memories with loved ones will always be worth the cost! This quarter, I felt so loved and supported by my friends and family. In the grand scheme of things, I spent very little for a whole lot of fun.
How this fits my income picture: I follow the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, with 50% of my income going towards needs like my housing and food; 30% for wants, including 20% for travel because that is my top priority; and the final 20% for financial goals like savings, investments, and paying off my student loans. This general guideline works really well for my lifestyle because I don’t have to stress about individual costs. Instead, I can zoom out and look at the big picture. I know, roughly speaking, what 20% of my annual income is, and I feel at peace as long as my travel costs stay below that number.
What I’d do differently: I wouldn’t change anything about the last quarter’s travels. I’m amazed that I managed to have such epic adventures while simultaneously planning a wedding. However, I am also craving an international trip so that’s my top priority for the next few months.
What’s next: Next month, I’m visiting one of my best friends who now lives abroad. I miss her dearly and am so excited for nearly a week of quality time with one of my favorite people. It’s also been fun to daydream about our honeymoon, which is slated for Spring of 2027. This year has been one of exciting changes and deep connections. I’m so excited for the final quarter of the year.
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