Is it reasonable enough?

Question

okay so we have a field trip to france, italy and spain. it costs $2900. it includes the plane fare, hotel, and meals. is it cheap? pls. help

Answer 1

You have to give the specifics:

Is it for one week, one month?

Where is the plane fare from, the West Coast, NYC?

How many meals (all 3 every day, only 2 per day)?

What kind of hotels (you can check on tripadvisor.com to see the quality)?

If it's a field trip to Europe, does it include the guide, or is your teacher going along as the guide?  Does it include transportation all around the countries, like in a bus or on trains?

I can tell you for sure that it is NOT cheap, but I wouldn't say it's expensive either. Right now Europe is very expensive because of the dollar/euro rate.  Here are some guidelines...

1) Round trip airfare from the West Coast of the US is about $1200 for the very best fare ever, unless you get non-refundable tickets through an online site where you cannot cancel and you can't really choose your own dates.

2) A very nice, safe hotel should cost no less than $100/night for two people.  You could probably find one that would do for $80/night for 2, but it would be in the 1-2 star category.

3) I have no idea how many places you are going in these three countries, to calculate transportation fees, but you can be sure that gas is very expensive in Europe now, so those costs could be high.

4) I don't know if entrance fees to museums and such places will be included, because that is something you have to consider.  Usually these kinds of trips include those too.

5) If there is a guide or if your teacher is going along, that is even more worth it.  If you were going alone or with friends, you wouldn't know how to get to certain places and you might go at times where lines are impossible or when places are closed.  Having a guided tour costs extra, because in the long run you are saving time and money all along.

I hope these ideas can help YOU calculate if the trip is worth it.  If you can afford it, go for it.  I have traveled a lot in France and Spain, and they are phenomenal.  I have only traveled a little in Italy, but friends who have traveled more tell me it's tremendous.  If you can afford it, I hope you go!