How Much Should a Weekend Getaway Cost?

Weekend getaways sound easy, but planning them can turn into a mini research project. How much should you actually spend? You might wonder if you're being frugal or just cheap. Forget averages tossed around online—prices for a mini-vacation can bounce all over the place depending on where you’re going and what you want to do.

Here's something a lot of people miss: the biggest factor in your cost isn’t just flights or hotels. It’s all those small extras that add up, like parking, meals, or last-minute plan changes. Even a simple road trip can get pricey if you don’t think ahead. Ever notice how gas, snacks, and entrance fees sneak onto your credit card bill? Knowing where your money really goes is the first step to planning a trip that feels like a treat, not a regret.

• What Impacts Your Getaway Price Tag?
• Typical Costs: Real Numbers, Not Guesswork
• Where Most People Overspend (And How to Dodge It)
• Tips to Stretch Your Budget
• Is Splurging Ever Worth It?

What Impacts Your Getaway Price Tag?

Here’s the truth: the price of your weekend getaway depends on a bunch of moving parts. It’s not just about picking a cool spot. Costs shift based on distance, season, travel buddies, and how picky you are with the basics. Let’s dig into the nuts and bolts so you know exactly what’s driving that total dollar sign.

Distance & Transportation: The farther you go, the pricier it gets. Quick train rides or a smooth car trip save a ton compared to hopping on a plane. For example, roundtrip domestic flights in the U.S. averaged about $248 in spring 2025, but a full tank of gas for a simple road trip could set you back only $60. Multiply that by friends in your car, and things get even cheaper.

Time of Year: Prices go up during busy times, like holidays or popular festival weekends. Hotel rates can double during summer or holiday weekends. A weekend at a basic hotel in a major city can be $120 per night in the off-season and shoot up to $250 in July.

Where You Sleep: Accommodation eats up the biggest chunk of your budget. Airbnb and hotels have their own fees. Don’t forget cleaning fees on rentals—they’re sneaky. Check out the little table below for a quick look at the average costs as of this year:

Food & Drinks: This one’s sneaky. Eating out can drain your funds faster than you think. Even grabbing two meals and a coffee per day racks up.

Activities: Whether it’s a free museum or a $100 spa treatment, activities drive up your total. National park fees, concert tickets, or rentals (think bikes or kayaks)—they all add up.

It helps to break your trip into chunks: travel, lodging, food, and the stuff you actually want to do. That way, you see the real price tag before your card surprises you. The trick is balancing what matters to you and where you can cut corners without missing out on the real fun.

Typical Costs: Real Numbers, Not Guesswork

Nobody likes talking in vague ranges when planning a weekend getaway. Here’s what you’ll usually spend if you skip the luxury resort route and aim for something fun but not crazy expensive.

For most people traveling within the U.S. in 2025, a two-night weekend means:

• Lodging: Average hotels or vacation rentals will run you $120–$250 per night, depending on city, season, and amenities. Smaller cities and off-peak weekends can be as low as $90, while popular destinations climb fast.
• Transportation: If you’re driving, set aside $50–$100 for gas. Car rentals (if needed) tack on another $80–$150. Flying? Short-haul flights often fall in the $150–$350 range roundtrip, but watch out for baggage and seat selection fees.
• Food: Eating out for every meal adds up. Think $20–$40 per person per day for restaurants, or less if you mix in groceries or quick bites. That’s $60–$100 for the whole weekend just for yourself, maybe double that with drinks and snacks.
• Activities: Museums, tours, or tickets usually run $10–$40 per person each. Outdoor hikes are mostly free, but parks or guided adventures can cost $20–$60.
• The Extras: Parking, tips, souvenirs, and incidentals sneak up more than you expect—budget an extra $40–$70 just in case.

Add it up, and a typical two-night trip for one person comes to about $350–$700, depending on your travel style and how far you want to go. Couples can expect to pay less per person by sharing hotel rooms and rides. Families might get group rates or need more space, so costs flex a bit.

The biggest price driver? Your destination choice and how early you book. Nothing eats a budget faster than last-minute reservations in a tourist hotspot. Book early, compare options, and check for hidden charges like resort fees or cleaning fees on rentals. That’s how you keep your wallet happy.

Where Most People Overspend (And How to Dodge It)

The truth is, people blow their weekend getaway budget in spots that barely feel like splurges—until the bill hits. Meals out are a big one. A couple of nice dinners can actually cost more than your nightly hotel rate, especially if you add cocktails or dessert. One study by Expedia showed food and drinks made up about 30% of the average weekend trip budget in the US. That’s wild for what’s supposed to be a quick break.

Then there's transportation. It's not just your flight or gas. Think about Uber rides, parking fees, tolls, and even car rentals. Airports and downtown hotels love to sneak in expensive parking—sometimes $40 a night or more. Forgot about resort fees? Those extra daily charges for amenities you might not even use are notorious for popping up at checkout.

It's easy to fall into the trap of last-minute activities. You get to your destination, spot cool tours or upgrades, and swipe your card without blinking. But those extras, like spa add-ons or rental bikes, often aren’t in your original budget. Suddenly, that “affordable” trip looks a lot less friendly.

• Plan your major meals: Book places early and mix in cheap eats like takeout or grocery store picnics.
• Research transportation ahead of time: See if public transit or walkable areas can help you skip extra Uber costs and pricey parking lots.
• Read the fine print for hidden fees: Look for things like resort fees before you book, not after.
• Set a cap for extras: Decide before you go how much you’ll spend on activities or souvenirs. Leave some wiggle room, but stick to the plan.

If you’re traveling with friends, splitting costs through apps like Splitwise or Venmo removes awkwardness and keeps everyone honest about what they’re actually spending. Getting smart about these details up front means you can focus on the fun, not last-minute sticker shock.

Tips to Stretch Your Budget

There’s a big difference between saving smart and just pinching pennies on your weekend getaway. If you play it right, you can actually get more out of your trip without breaking the bank. Here’s how to make your weekend getaway both fun and wallet-friendly.

• Book Early—But Not Always: For flights, booking about 1-2 months out usually gives you the best rates. Hotels sometimes offer last-minute deals, especially mid-week. Flexibility works in your favor.
• Travel Off-Peak: Prices spike during school holidays and around long weekends. If you can leave Friday morning instead of Friday night, or come back Monday midday, you’ll dodge crowds and snag lower rates.
• Use Cash-Back and Rewards: According to a 2024 survey by NerdWallet, travelers who use credit card points save an average of $120 per trip. Don't leave those unused points sitting around—put them to work.
• Bundle Activities: Many cities have discount cards or passes—like the Go City Card or city-transit tourist bundles. These often cover museums, public transit, and tourist spots for 30-50% less than paying separately.
• Eat Smart: Lunch deals are often way cheaper than dinner at the same restaurant. Picnics and street food save cash and give you a better local vibe.
• Watch Out for Hidden Fees: Parking at hotels, resort fees, and Wi-Fi charges sneak up fast. Always double-check what's included before you book.
• Share With Friends: Splitting an Airbnb or renting a car with another couple or friends can drop your costs by half—or more. Plus, it’s more fun.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet of average costs for a weekend in the U.S. (based on 2024 major city data):

Eyeballing your trip budget before you lock anything in helps you avoid stress later. Keep an eye on the details and you’ll be surprised how far your money stretches.

Is Splurging Ever Worth It?

Everyone runs into this dilemma at some point—do you take the budget route or go all out for a special weekend escape? Deciding to spend extra on a weekend getaway isn’t always about dropping cash just for the sake of it. Sometimes, a little splurge goes a long way—think direct flights, a well-rated boutique hotel with breakfast, or a local food tour that leaves you talking about it for weeks.

Here’s the thing: According to a 2024 survey by Booking.com, travelers who spent a bit more on unique experiences reported higher satisfaction on weekend trips compared to those who kept everything bare-bones. It’s not about five-star luxury, but about picking one or two things that really matter to you.

• If comfort helps you actually relax—maybe you want a king-size bed and blackout curtains—paying extra for a good night’s sleep isn’t silly.
• Short on time? Paying for a centrally located hotel could save hours and make your trip feel way less rushed.
• Celebrating something big, like a birthday or anniversary? Throwing in a fancy dinner or spa treatment can feel totally worth it compared to the price of regret.

Remember, splurging has a ceiling—there’s a difference between spending for quality and wasting money on stuff you won’t remember. A 2023 Skift Research report found that travelers felt the "splurge sweet spot" (the amount where happiness rose without guilt) fell between $100 and $250 above their budget for short trips.

So, is splurging actually worth it? If it means more fun, less stress, and better memories without tipping you into credit card debt, then yes. Just make sure the extra money goes where it counts, not just to impress your Instagram crowd.