Each category shows the selected option, the estimated range, and why this number is in the report.
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Travel
Why this number: Budgetcation flight median sample: $360 expected. This is the round-trip baseline returned for the selected route and date window; we keep the rest of the budget available for stay, food, local movement, activities, and upgrades.
ModeledJFK to MEX
Round trip nonstop with one checked bag included.
View flightJFK to MEX
Nonstop with seat selection and an earlier arrival.
View flightStay
Why this number: Budgetcation nightly median x5: $540 expected. This lodging envelope is based on your room floor and trip length; named stay cards can land below it when a provider returns a cheaper bookable option.
ModeledAround $108 per night in Roma Norte for your dates.
Around $138 per night, a quieter boutique base in Roma.
Upscale and quiet, with longer rides to the nightlife.
$640–$820Whole stayFood
Why this number: Budgetcation daily food model: $300 expected. This is the trip food envelope, not one meal: it scales by days, travelers, and food priority so the itinerary has room for stronger meals.
ModeledFast counter tacos, a Monterrey import locals line up for.
Local transport
Why this number: Budgetcation transit model: $80 expected. This covers day-to-day movement between the stay, meals, activities, and late-night returns.
ModeledMostly transit plan with rideshare at night.
Door to door rides, faster but pricier across the week.
Activities
Why this number: Budgetcation activity model: $200 expected. This sets aside money for paid experiences and nightlife; free walks can still appear when research does not return enough bookable picks.
ModeledGuided day trip to the pyramids outside the city.
Buffer
Why this number: Budgetcation buffer rule: $160 expected. Insurance is an estimated typical single-trip policy for this trip size; the rest is miscellaneous contingency for fees, price movement, and small planning misses.
ModeledPriced from the category allocation. A discrete pick lands here after deeper research.
Our research found a limited set of well reviewed picks for this area, so some meals repeat. Swap freely, the budget holds either way.