How Much Does a Trip to Bali Cost in 2026?

If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably heard two conflicting stories about Bali travel costs.

Some say you can still live like a king on $30 a day, the other warns that Bali has become an expensive “lifestyle hub” where a morning coffee costs the same as it does in London or Sydney. The truth? Both are right.

Whether you are a solo traveller looking for the cheapest spots or a couple seeking a luxury private villa experience, here are the real Bali travel costs you will encounter.

We aren’t just looking at the price of a Bintang, we are looking at the new reality of location prices, transporation prices, food costs, nightlife, and even tipping and taxes.

2026 Bali Budget Overview

If it’ll be your first time in Bali and you just want the straight answer to “how much does a trip to Bali cost?”, here it is.

Bali travel costs in 2026 are still affordable compared to Australia, the US, or most of Europe. But it is not the ultra-cheap backpacker island people remember from 2015.

There is now a tourist tax, prices in hotspots like Canggu and Uluwatu have crept up, and the overall standard of tourism has shifted slightly more premium.

Below is a clear breakdown of typical daily travel costs in Bali, excluding international flights, based on three common travel styles I see every week on the ground.

Travel Style	Daily Budget (USD)	The Experience
Budget	$35 – $55	Hostels/Guesthouses, local Warungs, and a 125cc scooter.
Mid-Range	$110 – $160	Boutique hotels, one “fancy” meal a day, and a mix of Gojek/Private drivers.
Luxury	$300+	5-star resorts or private villas, fine dining, and private transport.

These numbers assume you are not popping bottles at beach clubs every day and not trying to survive on Indomie either. This is realistic, comfortable travel for most tourists.

Total 10-Day Bali Trip Estimate

For a standard 10-day trip to Bali in 2026, realistic Bali travel costs for a mid-range traveller sit around $1,200 to $1,500 USD per person, excluding international flights.

That budget comfortably covers a boutique hotel or private villa room, daily transport, several day trips, temple and attraction entrance fees, and eating well without feeling restricted.

👉 The Reality: If you are travelling as a couple and sharing drivers and accommodation, your overall Bali travel costs per person drop slightly. Solo travellers tend to spend a bit more since many costs on the island are easier to split.

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Daily Spending Tiers in Bali

Bali is not “cheap” or “expensive” by default. Your Bali travel costs are mostly determined by your lifestyle and where you choose to base yourself.

In 2026, the gap between budget and luxury has widened, especially in trend-heavy areas like Canggu and Uluwatu where prices have clearly climbed up.

Here is what one realistic day in Bali looks like across three spending tiers.

The Budget Backpacker ($35 to $55 / day)

Perfect for solo travellers and low-frills explorers.

• Sleep: A bed in a social hostel or a simple fan-cooled guesthouse (around IDR 250k).
• Eat: Cheap cafe breakfast, lunch and dinner at local warungs. A solid Nasi Campur for IDR 35k still exists if you know where to look.
• Move: Rent a standard 110cc scooter like a Honda Beat (around IDR 150k per day).
• Activity: Waterfalls, Mount Batur viewpoints, local beaches, sunset beers on plastic chairs.

You are comfortable, mobile, and spending very intentionally.

The Mid-Range Traveller ($110 to $160 / day)

This is where most visitors land, especially couples.

• Sleep: A private room in a boutique hotel or a small villa (around IDR 1.2M).
• Eat: Cafe breakfasts, a mix of local lunches and one Western-style dinner. Pizza, tacos, smoothie bowls, the works.
• Move: A premium scooter (NMAX) or a mix of Grab and Gojek rides. Add a private driver for a full-day tour.
• Activity: Yoga class, Balinese massage, temple entrance fees like Uluwatu, rice terrace tickets.

This tier gives you proper comfort without feeling excessive.

The Luxury Splurge ($300+ / day)

For travellers who want the full experience without watching numbers.

• Sleep: Private pool villa or 5-star resort suite (IDR 4M+).
• Eat: Resort buffet breakfasts, high-end beach clubs, fine dining for dinner.
• Move: A private car and driver for the entire day (IDR 800k – 1M).
• Activity: VIP beach club beds, private boat trips, curated spa rituals.

Bali can deliver some serious luxury, but your overall Bali travel costs rise quickly at this level (obviously).

💡 Remember: Your Bali travel costs are location-dependent. Staying in Canggu, Seminyak, or Uluwatu can add 20% to 30% to food and accommodation costs. Base yourself outside of South Bali and daily spending drops noticeably. Choose your area wisely and your budget stretches further.

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Mandatory Costs in Bali

In 2026, your Bali travel costs actually start before you even arrive at Bali Airport. Indonesia now runs a streamlined digital entry system, which makes arrivals smoother, but it does mean a bit of upfront planning and payment.

Here is the exact “Entry Cost” for every international tourist:

Fee Type	Cost in IDR	Cost in USD (Approx.)
Visa on Arrival (e-VoA)	500,000 IDR	$32.00
Bali Tourist Tax	150,000 IDR	$10.00
Total Per Person	650,000 IDR	$42.00

Below is everything simplified into one clear checklist.

• Visa on Arrival (e-VOA): Mandatory for 90+ nationalities. Valid for 30 days and extendable once for another 30 days (additional 500,000 IDR). Apply online.
• Bali Tourist Tax: A provincial tourism levy paid separately from your visa. It applies to all foreign visitors, including children.
• Arrival Card for Bali (Free): Replaces the old paper customs and health forms. Complete it online within three days of your flight. It costs nothing.

💡 Expert Tip for 2026: If you have an e-Passport and an e-VoA, you can use the Autogates at Ngurah Rai Airport. That means skipping the manual immigration lines and clearing in under a minute. It is one of the easiest ways to save time on arrival.

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Flight Prices to Bali

Let’s be honest. For most people, your flight will be the single biggest chunk of your overall Bali travel costs.

Bali is firmly in “bucket list destination” territory for Europe, North America, and Australia, which means airlines price it accordingly. Cheap deals exist, but they are rarely accidental.

What to Expect in 2026

Flight prices move constantly, but for a round-trip ticket to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), these are realistic 2026 benchmarks:

• From USA / Canada: $1,100 to $1,600 USD
• From Australia: $400 to $700 USD (often cheaper from Perth or Darwin)
• From Europe / UK: $900 to $1,300 USD

High seasons, last-minute bookings, and school holidays can push those numbers higher. Booking three to six months in advance usually keeps you within these ranges.

Timing is Everything

If you want to reduce your total Bali travel costs, consider flying during Bali’s rainy season, roughly January to March.

You will still get plenty of sunshine, just with occasional afternoon storms. Flights during this period can drop 20 to 30 percent compared to July, August, or the December holiday rush.

💡 Smart move: If direct flights look expensive, consider booking a long-haul flight to Singapore or Jakarta first. Both are major hubs with higher volumes. Then add a separate short flight to Bali with airlines like AirAsia or Batik Air, usually in the $60 to $120 range.

👉 Read my month-by-month breakdown on the Best Time to Visit Bali if you’re still planning your trip.

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Villa, Resort, & Hotel Prices

In 2026, where you stay is one of the biggest factors in your total Bali travel costs. Accommodation pricing in Bali has shifted, especially in the south, where demand keeps climbing.

Yes, you can still find a simple guesthouse for very little. But designer one-bedroom pool villas in places like Canggu or Uluwatu are no longer “cheap Bali.”

Average Nightly Rates by Type (2026)

Accommodation Type	Price Range (USD)
Basic Guest House	$10 – $25
Boutique Hotel / Shared Villa	$60 – $140
Private Pool Villa	$160 – $280
Luxury Resort / Villa	$380 – $750+

👉 If you’re still undecided on what hotel or villa to stay in, see my complete guide to Types of Accommodation in Bali, which breaks down everything from guesthouses to luxury resorts.

Location Pricing

As you might expect, your nightly rate changes dramatically depending where exactly you’re staying.

• The Hotspots (Canggu, Uluwatu, Seminyak): Expect to pay roughly 40 percent more for the same quality compared to quieter areas. Demand is high and pricing reflects it.
• The Value Zones (Candidasa, Lovina, Amed): Strong value for money. You can often get beachfront resorts or larger villas for the price of a smaller inland stay in Canggu.
• The Cultural Hub (Ubud): A middle ground. High-end jungle resorts are expensive, but the huge number of homestays and small boutique hotels keeps mid-range pricing competitive.

Location alone can swing your total Bali travel costs by hundreds of dollars over a 10-day stay. The best area to stay in Bali will be according to your budget and flexibility.

⚠️ Insider Tip: If your listing does not clearly state “tax and service included,” that $100 per night room becomes $121 instantly. It is one of the most common budgeting mistakes travellers make when calculating Bali travel costs.

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Transportation Prices in Bali

Getting around Bali is where many tourists either save money or quietly watch their Bali travel costs creep up.

Distances on the map look small, but traffic, geography, and local transport rules make the real experience very different.

In 2026, transport costs depend heavily on how you move around the island and how far you plan to explore.

Method	Typical Cost (USD)	Best For…
Scooter Rental	$8 – $12 / day	Solo travelers & dodging traffic jams.
Gojek / Grab (Bike)	$1 – $3 / ride	Short, quick hops in the south.
Blue Bird Taxi	$5 – $15 / ride	Short evening trips to dinner.
Private Car & Driver	$60 – $70 / day	Tours, families, and stress-free exploring.

The Private Driver

Apps like Grab and Gojek are perfect for short rides, but they become unreliable once you start visiting temples, waterfalls, or rural areas. Many major tourist zones also restrict ride-hailing pickups.

Booking a private car and driver in Bali is usually the simplest option for day trips. At a fixed rate of $60 – $70 USD for a 10-hour day, you are not just paying for transport. You are paying for:

• Air-Conditioned Comfort: Important when the humidity hits 30+ degrees.
• Flexibility: Your driver waits at every stop instead of you constantly ordering new rides.
• Local Knowledge: Drivers know the side roads that bypass long traffic jams.
• Fixed Pricing: No surge pricing or surprise fees.

Taxi Apps (Gojek & Grab)

For short trips around town, GoRide (motorcycle taxis) is often the fastest option. Expect to pay roughly IDR 20k to 50k ($1.50 to $3.50) for trips under 5 km.

⚠️ Warning: Be aware of “No-Go Zones.” In many tourist areas, you can get dropped off by an app, but you cannot be picked up. You will often see signs saying “No Online Taxis”. In these cases, you’ll need a local taxi or a pre-arranged driver.

Scooter Rentals & The Law

Renting a scooter in Bali is the cheapest way to move around, with prices around IDR 150k ($10) per day for models like the NMAX or Vario.

However, riding a scooter in Bali only works as a budget option if you are legally allowed to ride.

Police checkpoints are common in 2026. Without an International Driving Permit and a valid motorcycle license from your home country, your insurance is invalid and you risk fines if stopped.

🔗 Check rental prices with Bikago.

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Food Costs in Bali

Eating is easily one of the highlights of visiting Bali, and your Bali travel costs for food can be surprisingly low (if you stick to local spots), or way more expensive than your home country.

At the same time, the island now has a serious dining scene, so it is also very easy to spend more if you start chasing trendy cafés and tasting menus.

One trend in 2026 is the rise of “elevated warungs.” These are local restaurants that keep traditional recipes and pricing but upgrade the setting slightly, making them more “foreigner-friendly”.

Meal Type	Typical Cost (USD)	What you get
Local Warung	$1.50 – $3.00	Nasi Campur (rice + 4-5 sides) & iced tea.
Casual Cafe	$4.50 – $8.00	Burger, Pasta, or a large healthy salad.
Trendy Brunch	$7.50 – $13.00	Smashed avo, smoothie bowls, or “Big Breakfast.”
Fine Dining	$50.00 – $130.00+	Multi-course tasting menu (excl. wine).

The Coffee Culture

Bali has become a major coffee destination in Southeast Asia. While you can still get a traditional Kopi Bali at a local stall for $0.50, most tourists end up spending their mornings in Western cafes.

• Standard Latte / Flat White: $2.50 – $3.50 (IDR 40k – 55k)
• Oat or Almond Milk: add about $0.50 – $1.00
• Specialty Pour-Over: $4.00 – $6.00 (IDR 65k – 95k)

⚠️ The “21% Surprise”: Most mid-to-high-end restaurants add 10% Service + 11% Tax to the bill. If the menu has a “++” next to the price, add 21% to your mental math to avoid a shock when the bill arrives.

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Bali Nightlife & Alcohol Prices

Bali’s nightlife is noticeably vibrant. From sunset beach clubs in Uluwatu to late-night dance floors in Seminyak, there is something happening almost every night of the week.

If you enjoy a drink or two, it is easy to include a few nights out in your itinerary (why not?). However, alcohol is one area where your Bali travel costs can climb quickly.

Because Indonesia has high import taxes on alcohol, drinks in bars and clubs are noticeably more expensive than food or local transport.

Here is a realistic breakdown of what you will pay at bars, clubs, and beach clubs.

Item	Cost (USD)	Notes
Local Beer	$2.25 – $4.00	Small bottle (330ml). Cheapest at Indomaret.
Imported Beer	$5.00 – $7.00	Often 2x the price of local beer.
Standard Cocktail	$9.00 – $13.00	Espresso Martinis, Margaritas, etc.
Premium Mixology	$14.00 – $22.00	Signature drinks at spots like Savaya or Mason.
Local Wine (Glass)	$6.00 – $8.00	Brands like Hatten or Sababay.
Imported Wine (Glass)	$11.50 – $16.00	Usually Australian or Chilean house wines.
Standard Spirit Bottle	$115 – $225	Smirnoff, Gordon’s, or Captain Morgan.
Premium Spirit Bottle	$290 – $515	Grey Goose, Hendrick’s, or Patrón.

Entry Fees & Minimum Spends

In 2026, many Bali clubs have moved away from simple entry tickets. Instead, they operate on a minimum spend or F&B credit system.

• VIP Tables: At major clubs like Savaya, tables typically start around IDR 10M ($650) and can climb past IDR 50M ($3,200) depending on the location and event.
• Nightclub Entry: Women are often free, while men usually pay IDR 200k – 250k ($13 – $16) which normally includes a drink token.
• Beach Club Daybeds: Entry is sometimes free or a small fee, but reserving a bed usually requires a minimum spend of IDR 2M – 15M ($130 – $950) depending on the row and the DJ lineup.

💡 Drinker Tip: Almost every bar runs some form of happy hour, usually between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. “2 for 1” deals are common, and this is easily the best way to enjoy nightlife without doubling your daily Bali travel costs.

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Day Tours & Entrance Fees

When estimating Bali travel costs, day tours and entrance fees are another small but steady expense.

Many booking platforms advertise “all-inclusive” tours, but these are usually priced per person, which can make them expensive for couples or families.

A simpler option is hiring a private car and driver. For around $70 USD for a 10-hour day, you get the whole car (up to six people) and a flexible itinerary.

The Math: If a popular “Day Tour” on GetYourGuide costs $45 per person, a couple pays $90. By booking my private driver service for $70 instead, you instantly save $20, and you aren’t stuck on a rigid schedule with strangers.

Typical Sightseeing & Activity Fees (2026)

While your driver handles transport, most attractions charge a small entrance fee at the gate. In 2026, pricing across Bali has become more standardized, though it is still best to carry some IDR cash.

Category	Typical Cost (IDR)	Typical Cost (USD)	What’s Included?
Major Temples	50k – 75k	$3.50 – $5.00	Entry & Sarong rental (usually).
Waterfalls	20k – 50k	$1.50 – $3.50	Entry to the trail & photo spots.
Rice Terraces	25k – 50k	$1.50 – $3.50	Access to walking paths.
Bali Swings	150k – 350k	$10.00 – $22.00	15–20 mins of swinging & safety harness.
Beach Club Entry	150k – 250k	$10.00 – $16.00	Often “redeemable” as a drink/food credit.
Cultural Shows	150k – 200k	$10.00 – $13.00	Traditional dance (e.g., Kecak or Barong).

💡 Pro Tip: One advantage of a private driver is the ability to start early. Leaving around 6:00 or 7:00 AM means you can reach popular attractions way before tour buses arrive, often seeing three or four places before the crowds show up.

👉 See my complete list of all Bali entrance fees, including temples, waterfalls, museums, rice terraces, and cultural attractions.

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Taxes & Tipping in Bali

Understanding the “plus-plus” pricing system is an easy way to keep your Bali travel costs predictable. Many restaurants, beach clubs, and cafes in tourist areas add extra charges to the menu price.

In most mid-range and upscale spots, the final bill includes a 21% surcharge made up of service and government tax. Smaller warungs, food stalls, and markets usually do not apply these charges.

• 10% Service Charge: This goes to the staff and is already included in the bill.
• 11% Government Tax (PB1): A mandatory tax applied to many restaurants and bars.
• Rule of Thumb: If you see “++” on a menu, add roughly 21% to the listed price. A $10 meal will end up around $12.10.

Tipping in Bali is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is always appreciated, especially in cafés, restaurants, and for good service.

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Wellness, Surfing, & Lifestyle

For many visitors, the “Bali lifestyle” is part of the experience. Beyond Bali attractions, the island is known for yoga studios, surf breaks, beach gyms, and affordable spa treatments.

These extras are not essential, but they are often where people happily spend a little more. If you plan to try them, it is worth factoring them into your Bali travel costs.

Activity	Typical Cost (USD)	What to Expect
Yoga Class (Drop-in)	$10 – $15	60-90 min session in a high-end studio.
Balinese Massage	$8 – $16	1 hour at a reputable local street spa.
Luxury Spa Ritual	$52 – $130	2-3 hour package at a 5-star resort.
Gym Day Pass	$10 – $23	Premium gyms (Body Factory/Wanderlust).
Surfboard Rental	$7 – $10	2 hours (Longboard or Shortboard).
Private Surf Lesson	$26 – $42	2 hours with instructor & board included.
Ice Bath / Sauna	$10 – $16	Single entry to a recovery social club.
Fast Boat (Return)	$30 – $48	Round trip to Nusa Penida or Gili Islands.

If you enjoy yoga classes, surf sessions, or spa days, these small lifestyle expenses can quietly increase your overall Bali travel costs, but they are also a big part of what makes the island fun to experience.

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Bali vs Thailand: Which is Cheaper

The ultimate battle of Southeast Asia usually comes down to these two. If you are trying to decide where your budget will stretch further in 2026, the answer mostly depends on how you travel.

That said, comparing Bali and Thailand is not entirely fair. Thailand is a much larger country with many different regions to choose from, Bangkok to Phuket to Chiang Mai and more.

Bali is a single island about the size of a small province in Thailand. In other words, Thailand offers a wider range of prices depending on where you go, while Bali’s costs are more consistent across the island.

In general, Thailand tends to be 10–15% cheaper for food and public transport, while Bali often offers better value when it comes to private villas and private drivers.

2026 Cost Comparison: Bali vs. Thailand

Category	Bali	Thailand	The Winner
Street Food	$2 – $4	$1.50 – $3	Thailand (More variety)
Boutique Hotel	$60 – $120	$55 – $110	Thailand (Slightly lower)
Private Pool Villa	$120 – $250	$180 – $350	Bali (Better design & value)
Beer (Bintang vs Chang)	$3.00	$2.50	Thailand (Lower alcohol tax)
Private Driver (Day)	$60 – $70	$80 – $110	Bali (Much more affordable)
Massage (1 Hour)	$10	$8	Thailand
Yoga Class	$12	$16	Bali (Better studios)

Why Bali Wins for Groups & Families

If you are travelling as a couple or family, Bali travel costs often become more efficient than Thailand’s.

• The Villa Culture: Bali is famous for private villas. A three-bedroom villa with a pool and staff can cost roughly the same as two standard hotel rooms in Phuket or Koh Samui.
• Transport Advantage: A private car and driver in Bali typically costs $60–$70 for a full day. In Thailand, similar private drivers often charge $90–$120 depending on the area.

The Verdict

• Choose Thailand if: You are a solo backpacker, love street food markets, and plan to rely on trains, buses, and public transport.
• Choose Bali if: You want a private villa, a strong cafe and wellness scene, and the convenience of a private driver taking you door to door.

💡 Pro Tip: You do not have to choose one or the other. Many travelers visiting this part of the world split their trip between the two. Spending a couple of weeks in Bali and then hopping over to Thailand is very common, since both destinations sit within the same Southeast Asia travel corridor and are connected by direct flights.

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Insider Money-Saving Hacks

In 2026, the “old” ways of saving money in Bali (like haggling for 20 minutes over a sarong) are less effective than using the right digital tools.

Here is how to keep your Bali travel costs down without sacrificing the quality of your trip.

• Book Drivers for the Full Day: Hiring a private driver for $60–$70 may seem expensive at first, but it becomes cheaper than multiple taxis once you start visiting several attractions in one day.
• Use Grab or Gojek for Short Trips: For quick rides in places like Canggu, Seminyak, or Ubud, ride-hailing apps are often cheaper than street taxis.
• Eat Local More Often: Warungs serve some of the best food in Bali and usually cost a fraction of trendy cafés. Even replacing one café meal per day can cut your food spending significantly.
• Stay Just Outside the Hotspots: Accommodation prices drop noticeably just a few minutes outside major tourist zones. Staying slightly inland from Canggu or a bit outside central Ubud can reduce nightly hotel costs.
• Take Advantage of Happy Hour: Many bars and beach clubs run “2-for-1” drink specials between 4 PM and 7 PM. If you plan to enjoy Bali’s nightlife, this is the easiest way to control your bar budget.
• Travel During Shoulder Season: April–June and September–October often have great weather but lower flight and hotel prices compared to peak season.
• Avoid Resort Restaurant Pricing: Hotel and resort restaurants are usually heavily marked up. Even if you walk a few minutes to an equally nice restaurant nearby, the same meal is often cheaper.
• Fly to a Regional Hub First: You can sometimes save hundreds by flying long-haul to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Jakarta, then booking a short regional flight to Bali on a budget carrier.
• Use a Multi-Currency Travel Card: Cards like Revolut or Wise usually offer better exchange rates and lower international fees than standard bank cards.

None of these change the Bali experience, but together they can noticeably reduce your overall costs when travelling in Bali.

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Is Bali Still “Cheap”?

After breaking down all the typical expenses, the real question is simple. Are Bali travel costs still cheap, or has the island become expensive?

Bali has shifted from “cheap” to “high value.” You won’t find $10 villas or fifty-cent beers in tourist areas anymore. But compared to Western destinations, Bali still delivers a huge amount of comfort and luxury for the price.

A realistic $110 to $160 per day budget can still get you a private villa room, great food, drivers for sightseeing, and experiences that would cost several times more in places like Europe, Hawaii, or major cities in North America.

Bali is for you in 2026 if:

• You want affordable luxury: Private villas, personal drivers, and spa treatments without five-star resort pricing.
• You enjoy the wellness lifestyle: Yoga studios, beach gyms, healthy cafés, and surf culture are everywhere.
• You are traveling as a couple or group: Splitting villas and drivers makes Bali travel costs surprisingly efficient.

Bali might feel expensive if:

• You only stay in the “Golden Triangle”: If you never leave Canggu, Seminyak, or Uluwatu, you will pay near-Western prices for many things.
• You drink or party heavily: Imported wine and spirits are heavily taxed in Indonesia and can inflate your daily budget quickly.

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Bali Travel Costs FAQs

If you still have any questions about how much a trip to Bali will cost in 2026, feel to drop them in the comment section at the bottom of this page. I’ll do my best to help you plan your trip.

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