I'm so nervous about my first trip abroad—how much money should I bring?

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 
Low-cost airlines are running major promotions, with flight tickets sometimes even cheaper than a round-trip high-speed rail ticket between Taipei and Kaohsiung, leading more and more people to choose independent travel abroad. Aside from planning your itinerary, budgeting is often a headache. While you can use a credit card, carrying some extra cash always feels safer. So how much should you prepare? Keeping a few key principles in mind can help you plan your travel budget.

1. Cost of living at your travel destination
First, you need to consider the local cost of living at your destination. For example, prices are generally lower in Southeast Asia, so you can set a slightly lower budget. But if you're traveling to European countries, where a single meal at a restaurant might cost over 500 Taiwanese dollars, you'll need to significantly increase the amount of cash you carry. Additionally, consider whether this trip will be a backpacking adventure or a luxurious five-star experience—both will greatly affect your budget planning.

2. Transportation expenses
Transportation costs make up a large portion of your expenses during independent travel. When planning your itinerary, think in advance about the modes of transport you’ll need and their associated costs. This information can often be found on official websites, some of which even offer calculators to help you more accurately estimate transportation expenses.

3. Accommodation and meals
Generally, before setting off on an independent trip, people book hotels or hostels in advance. If you need to find accommodation when you arrive, you can look up related travel guides beforehand to estimate approximate costs. For meals, plan a daily per-meal spending budget and then set aside a small amount of pocket money for snacks or local specialty items outside of regular meals.

4. Personal shopping
This is probably the most difficult budget item to estimate for most people. If you’re in a shopping paradise, many may set no limit on their shopping budget. But for those who are more frugal, it’s a good idea to set aside a specific amount for shopping. That way, you can assess your finances and decide whether or not to make a purchase.