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Budgeting for an Offsite

Plan your budget with confidence—no experience required

Updated over 2 months ago

Creating a budget for your offsite doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking costs into key categories—lodging, food & beverage, activities, and transportation—you can quickly see where your money goes.

While pricing varies by location and season, general benchmarks help guide early decisions and avoid surprises.


Estimated Cost Ranges (Per Person, Per Day)

Hotel:

  • $250–$500+ per night depending on destination, season, and hotel type

  • Includes room rate and taxes; often booked in blocks with group rates

Food & Beverage:

  • $300–$400 for 3 meals + snacks and beverages

  • Recommended allocations:

    • Breakfast: $70 per person

    • Lunch: $80 per person

    • Dinner or reception: $150 per person

    • Snack & Beverage station: $50 per person

  • Includes event-specific taxes, service charges, and gratuity (20–30%). Lower-cost options: consider per diem or off-site meals (most hotels restrict outside catering).

Activities & Experiences:

  • $50–$150+ depending on activity type (cooking classes, boat rides, wellness sessions)

  • Custom team-building experiences may cost more

Transportation:

  • Airfare: $300–$600+ per domestic flight (BoomPop uses $500 per person as a baseline)

  • Ground transport: $20–$80/day, depending on transfers and location


Pro Tips

  • Anchor your budget to your goals: Spend on what matters most, like upgraded meeting spaces or team-bonding meals.

  • Use all-inclusive venues: Bundled lodging, food, and meeting space simplify planning and can save money.

  • Account for taxes and service fees: Often adds 20–30% to quoted prices.

  • Pad your budget: Build in ~10% for last-minute needs or unexpected costs.

  • Ask about vendor minimums: Hotels, caterers, and activity providers may have minimum spend requirements.

  • Leverage BoomPop tools: Use the Budget Estimator and event details section for tailored hotel rate guidance.


Next Steps

  1. Start with rough estimates based on these ranges.

  2. Adjust as you confirm vendors and final details.

  3. Use BoomPop tools or consult a planner to model different budget scenarios.

Budgeting with these steps helps you make confident choices, align spending with priorities, and avoid overspending.


TL;DR

  • Hotel: $250–$500+ per night

  • Food & Beverage: $300–$400 per day

  • Activities & Experiences: $50–$150+ per person

  • Transportation: $300–$600+ per person (airfare), $20–$80/day ground transport

  • Budget range for a multi-day offsite: $2,000–$3,000 per person

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