Room: $1040
Food, boat tour, cabs and bus, all other expenses (including extra hotel night at airport): $1380
Total cost: $3367
This is about 25% under budget.
This is before whatever refund I get from Hertz, and also the refunded ATM fees from my bank (about $20 there).
Remember what I posted before? Estimate the cost and add 20%.
OK, I admit, maybe you would eat more, or want to stay in an ocean view room. Maybe you would not take the bus, or drink so much. I felt we were pretty comfortable, and had good experiences. So the costs on this trip were in line with that.
Also note this: the cost per day is $306, all inclusive. (3367 ÷ 11) It is $281 if you divide by 12 days.
I think this is an important point: if we went for 7 days, the cost would be higher.
Airfare: $947 (same)
Room: $728
Expenses : $805
total: $2480 or $354 per day!
See how airfare costs alone are diluted by a longer trip? It actually makes sense to travel longer, if possible.
Works for me.
Sump'in to think about.