COSTS OF A TRIP
Unit Overview
In this unit you will investigate how to plan a trip. The topics will include reading a map and looking at a distance chart, finding the best hotel costs and gas mileage, exchanging currency, and estimating the cost of your trip with the assistance of a travel agent.
Reading a Map
When traveling by car, it is helpful to use a map. A map will guide you to your destination by showing you the distances between towns and road junctions. One important aspect of a map is the legend, which explains the symbols used on the map. An example of a legend is given below. This particular legend shows highway markers, different types of roads, sizes of towns and cities, mileage, and points of interest such as airports and state parks. Study the map below the legend. Notice the names of the towns, the highways, and the symbols that are used. We will refer back to this map in the questions section of this unit.
Distance Chart
If you are planning a trip between major cities it may be helpful to use a distance chart like the example below to estimate how far you will be driving. This particular chart uses miles for the distances between major cities. Let’s take a look at an example of how you would read this chart.
Expenses on the Road
Most people estimate their total expenses for a trip. The expenses might include costs of gasoline, food, and lodging. Let’s take a look at an example of how a couple estimated the costs of their trip.
Exchanging Currency
If you decide that you want to travel outside the United States, you will have to exchange your dollars for another nation’s money, or currency. Some countries use the word dollar to describe their currency, but its value and appearance are different from a United States dollar.
The value of the U.S. dollar compared to other countries’ currencies can change daily. If traveling, you must find out the current exchange rate at the time of your trip. The following exchange rate table was found on Yahoo.com. To convert United States dollars to foreign currency, multiply the currency rate from the chart by the number of U.S. dollars. Follow the examples below the chart.
Travel Agents
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In planning a trip, sometimes it is helpful to enlist the expertise of a travel agent. There are many options for traveling. So far, we have only discussed traveling by car. You can also plan a trip by flying, riding on a train, or by bus. There are many different airline, train, and bus companies to choose from. A travel agent can help you find the best offers and explain the advantages of various types of travel. Follow through the example below. |
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One-Way Costs Per Person |
Denver to San Francisco |
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Bus |
Train |
Plane |
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Adult Fare |
$178 |
Coach |
$195 |
F |
$639 |
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Single Slumber |
$228 |
Y |
$412 |
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Bedroom (2 people) |
$734 |
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Children’s Fare |
½ Adult Fare |
½ Adult Fare |
¾ Adult Fare |
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Meals |
About $35 |
About $70 |
No charge |
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Transportation to
Center of City |
None |
None |
$15-25 |
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| Unit 16 Calculating Vacation Costs Worksheet |
| Unit 16 Planning a Trip Worksheet |