Posting to keep tabs on this topic. I love travelling and need to find ways to reduce my costs.
I did three weeks of skiing, one week of trail cycling, one week at a major expensive metropolis this year. Also a couple of long weekends away locally.
I haven't calculated it all yet, but I think I spent about $7000, including air fare, food while away, etc. Basically all costs while away. I "hacked" a little in that one week of skiing was practically free because I led a club trip, another week of sking I spent at a friend's condo. I really tried to maximize my time away.
I agree that the transportation costs are what kill you. It's best to combine trips so you can minimize air travel and such. It's harder to minimize costs while working full time and only being able to get way for 1-2 weeks at a time. It's also harder when you are trying to travel with others and they are not as interested in optimizing costs. Sigh... Definitely love the slow travel idea and want to do that more while FIRE'd, and consequently will be solo travelling a bit.
I tend to include food costs while away in my travel budget, as I can't always eat like I do at home. I tend to eat out more when travelling with others, as that is their preference. And when you are somewhere for only a week it may be more convenient as well. For my active trips, I would much rather eat in more. But for trips where I am experiencing a new culture, I love to eat out and try the cuisine.
Do you guys include food costs in your travel budget?