In 2026, average travel expenses vary wildly by destination and style, but for a "mid-range" international traveler, a daily budget of $150 to $250 per person (excluding airfare) is a common benchmark. In high-value regions like India, costs are much lower, with mid-range comfort costing roughly $36 to $60 daily, while luxury experiences can exceed $160. Conversely, in Western Europe or the U.S., a mid-range traveler should expect to spend $200+ per day. Major expense categories typically break down into 40% for accommodation, 25% for dining, 15% for local transport, and 20% for activities/sightseeing. For a 2026 vacation, budgeting for "hidden" costs like dynamic surge pricing on rideshares and mandatory service charges at hotels is increasingly important to avoid overspending while exploring global hubs.