Travel does not have to be expensive! To prove it, I decided to show a transparent look into my total costs for a weekend in New Hampshire.
One of the biggest excuses that people have as to why they can’t travel is, of course, the cost. Travel is painted to be this grand image that involves all-inclusive resorts, luxurious dinners, and big excursions. While those things are certainly nice, it doesn’t have to be that way at all. Being conscious about your expenses and prioritizing what is important to you can still give you a great vacation! I dug up some old emails, receipts, and credit card statements to show you my all-in costs for spending 2 days and 2 nights in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Important to note that I visited in late-September, right when the leaves were changing. It should come as no surprise to hear that this is their peak season. Therefore, prices were considerably higher for everything from airfare, to hotel rooms, and rental cars. Of course, visiting this region during off peak times could help you save a substantial amount of money (and don’t worry, it will still be beautiful). Your total costs for a weekend in New Hampshire may vary!
All amounts are in USD.
Airfare – $11.20
I flew round-trip from JFK to Burlington, VT and decided to take the 1.5 hour drive to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The drive was easy, and there were lots of beautiful places to stop at along the way.
I redeemed JetBlue points for the flights and my out of pocket cost was only $11.20.
The roundtrip flight was 8,800 JetBlue points. However, because I booked with my JetBlue Plus Card, I receive a 10% return on all flights booked with points. Therefore, these flights only set me back 7,920 points.
Transportation – $124.05
Over 25% of the costs for this trip went towards transportation, which should come as no surprise. I rented a car at the Burlington Airport for the weekend for a total of $84.05. Knowing I’d be doing plenty of driving on this trip (and through the mountains, no less), I booked an economy car that would give the best gas mileage.
Because of that, I only had to fill up the car one time at the end of the trip. I put $40.00 worth of gas into the tank prior to returning it.
Accommodations – $198.95
Because I traveled at peak season in the fall, hotel prices were high. In the White Mountains, name brand hotels are scarce (if at all) and pickings are slim. Although once you see how beautiful this place is, you’re going to want to spend as much time outdoors as you can anyway.
My first night, I stayed at Mount Jefferson View in Randolph. A row of colorful cabins line the property, giving the “glamping” feel. For only $114.45 per night, I got my own cabin with a private bathroom. The cabin itself was a bit dated, but it had everything you needed for a night in the mountains. The proximity to activities was great and you felt the perfect amount of removed.
The following evening, I stayed at the Holiday Inn in South Burlington. It was just a couple minute drive to the airport, which was perfect for my early morning flight back to NYC. I don’t have much else to say about the hotel, since I arrived late and left early. It was conveniently located and a steal at only $84.50 per night.
Entertainment – $57.00
The best part about nature? It’s free! Over the course of the entire weekend, I only had to pay an “entrance” fee for two attractions. Everything else was open to the public and free to access. Take advantage!
Mt. Washington Auto Toll Road – $35
The toll gave access to the road that climbed all the way to the summit of Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. More adventurous (and more in shape) travelers can hike up for free, but keep in mind that it takes approximately 10 hours to ascend and descend.
The road is closed in the winter and typically opens from early-May to mid-October. Another thing to keep in mind is that you are over 6,000′ above sea level, and it gets cold. Expect the temperature to be about 20 degrees colder at the summit than at the base. In fact, Mt. Washington is famous for its unpredictable weather. The highest wind speed recorded by man was at this summit: a whopping 231 mph! Whether you’re hiking or driving, pack some warm clothes so you can spend time exploring.
Lost River Gorge – $22
The Lost River Gorge is the perfect hike, and I’d recommend it time and time again. The trail is a relatively easy and flat loop that allows you to go at your own pace. I’d recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid crowds. Here, you’ll find waterfalls, caves, and beautiful scenery at every turn. The walkways are easy, and are even paved at the start. While walking on the platform near the river, it can get slippery so make sure you wear shoes with a decent grip.
Food – $62.00
My first day on the trip, I found myself doing more “snacking” rather than having proper meals. It definitely held me over during the day, but it may not be the “norm” for others traveling on a similar itinerary.
I dug up old credit card statements to find the amounts below, rounded to the nearest whole number for ease.
Apple Cider and donut at Cold Hollow Cider Mill – $8
Ice Cream at Ben & Jerry’s Factory – $6
Dinner at a diner in Randolph – $14
Breakfast (muffin and water at convenience store) – $5
Lunch at a diner in Conway – $18
Dinner at Al’s French Frys in Burlington – $11
Total costs for a Weekend in New Hampshire – $453.20
For around $450, I was able to spend an entire weekend in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. Utilizing points and miles can help alleviate the costs even more by covering a portion (if not all) of your hotel stays. Additionally, don’t forget to check sites like Groupon for deals on activities and excursions. Travel absolutely does not have to be expensive, and here is the proof!
Looking for more insight into the costs of my trips? Check out my Total Costs page for transparent looks into the trips I take. Traveling soon? Check out my Travel Tips page to help you score good deals on flights, packing tips, tools to help you plan, and more!
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