Family Vacation Budget Spreadsheet | Trip Cost Planner Estimated vs Actual by Category | Excel Travel Budget Tracker

Every trip cost split across eight categories with running subtotals, estimated against what you actually spent — so the costs that usually ambush you get budgeted before they can.

Flights and the hotel are the easy part. What blows a travel budget is the passport renewal you forgot needed six weeks, the resort fee, the checked bags, the airport parking, and tipping housekeeping for nine nights.

WHAT YOU GET One Excel workbook. Trip name, travel dates and number of travelers at the top, then every cost line grouped into eight sections, each with its own subtotal:
- Paperwork & Documents — passport renewals, visas, photos, Global Entry, notarized letters for minors
- Air Travel — adult and child airfare, seat selection, bag fees, airport parking, getting to the airport
- Ground Transportation — rental car, fuel, tolls, rideshare, transit passes, ferries
- Lodging — nights, resort and cleaning fees, lodging taxes, early check-in, housekeeping tips
- Food — groceries at the destination, restaurants, coffee and snacks, travel-day meals - Activities — tours, tickets, park fees, equipment rental
- Gifts & Extras — souvenirs, gifts, tips, pet or house sitting
- A cushion line for the surprises

Every row carries estimated, actual, and the difference between them, so you can watch a category drift while there is still time to do something about it. Subtotals and the grand total calculate themselves.

WHAT YOU NEED Microsoft Excel on Windows or Mac. Also opens in the free LibreOffice Calc.

THIS IS A DIGITAL DOWNLOAD No physical item ships. The file is available immediately after purchase. For personal use only — please don't resell, share, or redistribute it. Because it is delivered instantly, all sales are final, but message me if anything doesn't work as described and I will sort it out.