Is $500 Enough for My Trip? Tips for Budgeting and Spending Wisely

[redsoxgirl]

I'm planning on bring $500 (it's a debit card so I can do creit or take cash out).
Is that enough for everything???

 

[Chef Kearns]

It should be. Food, cabs (possibly), goodies. IF you are a shopper you may want to add a few hundred more, but that would be more than enough if you are not a shopper.

 

[dannyzmom]

I only carry like 100 in cash and I use plastic for everything else.

 

[BethCooks4U]

You need cash for cabs and tips. Other than that everyone takes plastic.

I buy way too much and I have never come close to spending $500 at conference - including meals.

 

[crystalscookingnow]

I would take some actual cash with you for cab fare to the hotel/any tips on the first day. Otherwise that is way more than enough... Unless you go crazy shopping!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

You need cash for cabs and tips. Other than that everyone takes plastic.

I buy way too much and I have never come close to spending $500 at conference - including meals.

Me either! Unless that $500 is also paying for your hotel and conference registration. But then, I don't shop, other than right at the conference with a few Merrill items. I don't have time, because I arrive the morning of conference, and leave as soon as conference is over.

 

[wadesgirl]

I brought $300 last year which paid for almost everything including the hotel. I did buy a couple shirts from Merrill on my cc.

 

[mrsbettyboop0000]

I agree, that should be more than plenty.

 

[PampMomof3]

it should be plenty unless you are registering on site and paying for your hotel.

 

[redsoxgirl]

I already paid for registration, but I do need to pay for my hotel.
Maybe I'll bring my personal card just in case

 

[KellyTheChef]

You should be good! I spend extra at conference (like choosing WHATEVER I want at dinners out, buying lots at Merrill since I can try it on and see the quality, etc.) to make it special for me! Including registration, hotel, travel, etc. I think the most I ever spent was $600.

BTW- I wanted to mention that I can just "hear" the excitement in your posts and I am looking forward to seeing your "I had so much fun and learned so much at conference" post when you get home!! lol

 

[chefliz]

Me either! Unless that $500 is also paying for your hotel and conference registration. But then, I don't shop, other than right at the conference with a few Merrill items. I don't have time, because I arrive the morning of conference, and leave as soon as conference is over.

I totally agree with ChefBeckyD! :love:

 

[Kathy's_Kitchen]

I was planning on the same amount so it's good to know I should be fine. Thanks to everyone for the tips on cash for cabs and other various items. Hopefully, I won't go crazy buying stuff at conference!

 

[pampered1224]

If you do... send it via UPS! It is far less of a pain than carrying it!

 

[raebates]

You should be good! I spend extra at conference (like choosing WHATEVER I want at dinners out, buying lots at Merrill since I can try it on and see the quality, etc.) to make it special for me! Including registration, hotel, travel, etc. I think the most I ever spent was $600.

BTW- I wanted to mention that I can just "hear" the excitement in your posts and I am looking forward to seeing your "I had so much fun and learned so much at conference" post when you get home!! lol

Me, too--except the "buying lots at Merrill" part. I don't usually buy a lot of stuff, just a shirt or something.

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

I've got less than $200 in cash to bring. (Good thing PC will pay us the day before we leave or I wouldn't even have that!) My hotel is paid for so I'm sure I should be fine. I'm thinking of bringing $50 or so in cash and use it in plastic form for everything else ... but of course, I'd have to pay a fee if I used their ATM's there! The bank has "national" in its name but ya think they have one outside of Ohio?

 

[cookn' katie]

Last year was my first year ever. I took like $300 and had some left. We are staying at the Sheraton. Does anyone know how much rooms are there? That way I know how much I have to save right away. I tried to be really good and not buy stuff from Merrill on an impulse. I tend to be a bit impulsive! Bring lots of snackies with, that saves money on veding machines. I am also bringing a jug of pre-made margaritas and putting it in the fridge. that will save me money in the bar! I don't get our often, I have to take advantage of it when I can!!!

 

[straitfan]

LOVE the margarita mix idea (would probably buy it there though.......seems there's a Walgreens or similar on every corner.) Does the Sheraton have a fridge in the rooms? Last year at PH we didn't have one.

 

[paigev71]

You guys have me excited about conference and I am not even going! Maybe next year.

 

[raebates]

I received a $50 blessing today with a note to buy myself something special in Chicago. Sweet!

 

[c00p]

$500????? Wow, I'm hanging out with YOU!!!!!! I bring $100 and that's it - oh, and I do get to pick up my $300 Visa from PC on day 1!! Oh, I just realized that makes it $400, so guess I don't have room to talk, huh??

 

[Karen]

LOVE the margarita mix idea (would probably buy it there though.......seems there's a Walgreens or similar on every corner.) Does the Sheraton have a fridge in the rooms? Last year at PH we didn't have one.

Yes, when I've stayed at the Sheraton in the past all of the rooms had refrigerators.

 

[KellyTheChef]

I received a $50 blessing today with a note to buy myself something special in Chicago. Sweet!

Awwww...did the Furry Guy leave you that, or your secret admirer?

 

[heather223]

I was planning on bringing $500 and hoping to spend less... sounds like I will. I like Kelly's idea of ordering whatever I want when we go out to eat! I am also bringing snacks so I don't have to buy as much food.

 

[raebates]

Awwww...did the Furry Guy leave you that, or your secret admirer?

Neither. It was a family member who wanted to give me a blessing.

 

[KellyTheChef]

Neither. It was a family member who wanted to give me a blessing.

That's so great! It actually sounded like something your DH would do...he is such a sweetie!